The five-pointed star is often represented as the morning star. The
descending ray of the Nauvoo Temple's inverted five-point star stones (there
is only one surviving example and it is damaged) was extended downward. Such
an orientation suggests the rising morning star. This "star" is not a star
at all, but the planet Venus. Venus' brightness is a reflection of the sun,
which is invisible below the horizon when Venus is at it's brightest. The
extended ray points to the source of the morning stars brightness, not the
planet itself, but the sun's brilliance.

Through a unique orbital characteristic Venus shares a relationship with the
five-pointed star. Carl G. Liungman explains: "If one knows the ecliptic and
can pinpoint the present position of the planets in relation to the fixed
star of the zodiac, it is possible to mark the exact place in the 360
degrees of the zodiac where the Morning star first appears shortly before
sunrise after a period of invisibility. If we do this, waiting for the
Morning star to appear again 584 days later (the orbital time of Venus) and
mark its position in the zodiac, and then repeat this process until we have
five positions of Venus as the Morning star, we will find that exactly eight
years plus one day have passed. If we then draw a line from the first point
marked to the second point marked, then to the third, and so on, we end up
with a pentagram [five-pointed star]" (Dictionary of Symbols, 1991, pp.
333-334). No other celestial object, whether planet or star, has this
orbital characteristic; it is wholly unique to Venus (the Morning/Evening
Star).

GAIA'S NOTE:
The Pentagram is also associated with Da Vinci's "Universal Man" or
"Microcosmic Man" -- his arms and legs outstretched, he forms the upright
pentagram.

PENTAGRAM AND the TREE OF LIFE:
"David Pine" <pine@online.net>:
The Four Elements in the reverse order, i.e. Fire Water Air Earth are
representative of the Four Letters of the Tetragrammaton Yod Heh Vav Heh and
also correspond to the Tree of Life Fire - Chokmah; Water - Binah; Air -
Tiphareth (actually to the six Sephiroth Chesed through Yesod and centered
in Tiphareth) and Earth to Malkuth. By studying them in the order given you
are essentially working your way up the Tree. It would likely be best to
stick to that order makes sense. also see: Earth (solid), Water (liquid),
Air (gas), Fire (plasma) they are ARISTOTELIAN, these elements. Popular with
the alchemists and via Aristotle also had QUALITIES lying between them with
certain elements keyed to individual qualities thus:

Fire

Heat Dryness

Wind
Earth

Humidity
Cold

Water

HEAT PREDOMINATES IN FIRE
DRYNESS PREDOMINATES IN EARTH
HUMIDITY PREDOMINATES IN AIR and
COLD PREDOMINATES IN WATER

Aristotle as per Holmyard (_Alchemy_) and others. 'Humidity' is sometimes
called 'Fluidity' or 'Fluid'.

tyagi@houseofkaos.abyss.com

I'd just like to point out that different Traditions often have different
associations with where each element is found on the pentagram. The British
Tradition (I believe its the same for Gardnerian and Alexandrian) offer the
pentagram as: Spirit (top center) now going clockwise: Water/West (top
right), Fire/South (bottom right), Earth/North (bottom left) and Air/East
(top left). (For anyone who has seen the Azure Green Pentagram poster, ours
is the same as the one used on their poster, seems to be a very popular
choice for the mainstream Triads, in my opinion) However, the Dianic Grove I
belonged to had another set: Spirit (top center), East/Air (top right),
South/Fire (bottom right), North/Earth (bottom left) and West/Water (top
left) An eclectic witch I know uses a pentagram that is: Spirit (top
center), Air/East (top right), Fire/South (bottom right), Water/West (bottom
left), and Earth/North (top left). Although another popular choice reverses
the Fire and Water. I've seen dozens of other correspondences. Can't say any
are better or worse than any others.

SYMBOLISM & HISTORY OF THE PENTAGRAM: (edited by Gaia,
from material by Calixto and others)

The five-pointed star is often represented as the morning star. The
descending ray of the Nauvoo Temple's inverted five-point starstones (there
is only one surviving example and it is damaged) was extended downward. Such
an orientation suggests the rising morning star. This "star" is not a star
at all, but the planet Venus.

Venus has long been associated with the Pentagram (aka "Pentalpha", since
it's composed of five "A's") because from the earth, Venus actually
inscribes a Pentacle (5-pointed star) in its apparent "movement" through the
heavens. (Dictionary of Symbols, 1991, pp. 333-334). No other celestial
object, whether planet or star, has this orbital characteristic; it is
wholly unique to Venus (the Morning/Evening Star). Scripturally, Jesus has
been associated with Venus as the "Morning and Evening Star".

Venus' brightness is a reflection of the sun, which is invisible below the
horizon when Venus is at it's brightest. The extended ray points to the
source of the morning star's brightness, not the planet itself, but the
sun's brilliance.

The earliest physical evidence of the existence of the pentagram comes from
the very place where agricultural civilization is popularly believed to have
started. The pentagram was frequently found on potshards and tablets (which
have been dated to as early as 3500 BCE) in the location of the Kingdom of
Uruk (at the mouth of the Tigris-Euphrates valley). The symbol was found
accompanying signs relating to the foundation of written language. There is
also evidence that the pentagram was used in ancient Mesopotamia to indicate
the seal of royalty, and power which extends to the four corners of the
earth.

The pentagram has appeared in myth and folk lore ever since that time. The
Greek Pythagoreans (a school of both science and metaphysics, founded by
Pythagoras 586-506 BCE) referred to the pentagram as 'pentalpha' because it
could also be formed by laying 5 alphas (A) together. The Pentagram became a
major mystical symbol in the Mystery school established by Pythagoras in
Croton. Pythagoras seems to have learned of the symbol which studying in
Egypt. The Pythagoreans viewed the Pentagram as a symbol of wholeness or
soundness. It represented Ugieia or Hugieia, which is the root of hygiene.
Hugieia also indicates exactly what the Pythagoreans meant by it: soundness
or wholeness (which is one meaning of health) or divine blessing. To the
Pythagoreans, wholeness was important, and they greeted each other with
Hugiaine! ("Be Whole/Sound/Blessed"), instead of Khaire! (the normal
greeting meaning "Cheer"). The Pentagram was their symbol of recognition. It
was the link to the Divine Aperion or "One which was the source of the
Universe." (Interestingly for modern mystics, indications are that the
Pentagram was often inscribed "inverted" in this time period without
prejudice.) The pentacle was used to represent the four philosophical
elements plus spirit. The four elements are caused by the four qualities
(hot, dry, cold, and wet). Discussion of these elements can be found in De
Caelo by Aristotle. There were also associations with the first five regular
solids (the Platonic Solids).

The points also represent various seasons in the year and in life, as well
as the phases of the moon. Air was the point associated with spring,
childhood, and the 1st quarter of the moon. Fire was
associated with summer, youth and the 2nd quarter of the moon. Earth was
associated with autumn, adulthood, and the 3rd quarter of the moon. Water
was the element of winter, old age and the 4th quarter of the moon. Spirit
was associated with death and the new moon.

Since all of nature could be described in one glyph, it is obvious why the
Pythagoreans assigned the name of "Wholeness" to the Pentagram. Wholeness
was vital to health in their view. Only by
maintaining the proper balance of the four elements and qualities (as
expressed by the four humours) could one maintain health. Also important was
the harmony in the union of body and soul (this was
Virtue or Arete). Soundness of mind was a prerequisite for all happiness and
prosperity. In one symbol, one found soundness and wholeness in the
microcosm, and the macrocosm, and between the two. It is in short, symbolic
of Balance, Harmony, the Union of Opposites.

Some sources indicate that the inverted Pentagram was utilized by the
Pythagoreans to show that their House or Order was well rooted or founded
(the lower point being the root or foundation). These sources also say that
the Five Truths on the pentacle were Zoos, Psyche, Physis, Hypopteros Drys,
and Dikaion, and were listed clockwise from the bottom point.

The Pentagram is related to a mathematical principle called the "Golden
Section" -- a naturally pleasing mathematical relationship symbolized by the
pentagram, used in geometry, architecture, and even music. "the human body
is divided by the rule of the Golden Section, exactly at the navel. (Lawlor,
p. 59). It was therefore used both as a symbol and as a mathematical
relationship, extensively in architecture. Many temples and cathedrals have
used this to build creations that naturally appeal to human senses of
proportion, balance, unity, and beauty.

In late antiquity and in the medieval world, the Pentagram took on a new
meaning as well. To Constantine, and others, the Pentagram represented the
five wounds of Christ (the scourges, the crown of thorns, the nails, and the
spear; or alternatively, the four wounds from the nails plus the spear
wound). Constantine used the symbol extensively as his personal seal and
amulet. He had even considered making it the official symbol of
Christianity. This did not happen, although the Pentagram continued to be
used in the manner in the medieval time period to represent Christ's
sacrifice. If things had gone slightly differently, Christians would be
wearing the Pentagram around their necks, not crosses.

At this time too, the Pentagram was associated with the Seasons. The upright
Pentagram represented the summer season, while the inverted Pentagram
represented the winter season. Jewish mystics associated the Pentagram with
the five books of the Pentateuch. They also associated a vertical rhombus
with the four letters of the Holy Name, Tetragrammaton YHVH. This is the
name of Yahweh or Jehovah.

The Jews attribute the pentagram to the five books of the Pentateuch (first
5 books of the Bible). The Muslims attribute the pentagram to the five
pillars of faith and the five times of daily prayer. The symbol is prevalent
throughout Islam and is featured both upright and inverted. Within
Christianity the pentagram symbolizes the 5 wounds of Christ on the cross.
In it's inverted form it is said to point the way to the Nativity -- the
birth of the Christ child; and is also referred to as St. Peter's Cross.
According to legend, St. Peter considered himself unworthy to be crucified
upright as was Jesus, so instead he was crucified upside down.

One of the last Pagan Roman Emperors, Constantine (who converted to
Christianity on his death bed in the mid 300's CE) used the pentacle as the
symbol of his royal office. In Arthurian legend the pentagram was emblazoned
in gold upon the shield of Sir Gawain and symbolized his mastery of the 5
virtues (generosity, courtesy, chastity, chivalry and piety). In the legend
and thence forth throughout England the pentagram is known as the "Endless
Knot". In Freemasonry the pentagram or 5 pointed "Seal of Solomon", is
associated with Man as Microprosopus.

Leonardo de Vinci's "universal man" is often seen with his arms and legs
outstretched, and along with his head, all five forming the "points" of the
Pentacle -- also know as the "Microcosm" of the
Universal macrocosm. Jesus has been associated with this as the ultimate
"Universal man".

In Christian Kabbalism (Kabbalah is a Jewish mystical system, it was
somewhat altered and developed into a Christian metaphysical-mystical system
during the Renaissance and later) there was another
association for the Pentagram. In Hebrew, Jesus' name can be represented as
YHShVH or YHVShH ("Yeshua" or "Yehovashah"). These five Hebrew letters can
be placed around the points of the
Pentagram, just as the Pythagoreans placed UGIEIA - UGIQA around the
Pentagram. This fact, and the association with the wounds of Christ meant
that this symbol was still very holy to these thinkers.

Throughout the ancient world, and past the Renaissance, the Pentagram was
drawn either upright or inverted without any real preference. There was no
real regard for orientation of the Pentagram, and the inverted Pentagram can
be seen without any negative connotation in Masonic imagery, and even as the
symbol of the attainment of the Second Degree in Wicca (which has many
commonalties to the Craft of the Masons).

The first person who applied a negative connotation to the inverted
Pentagram was Eliphas Levi (Alphonse Louis Constant, a French Catholic
deacon who lived from 1810-1875)). He was the first to
argue that the "upright" Pentagram was associated with good, and the
"inverted" Pentagram was associated with evil. He drew a diagram that
displayed the two Pentagrams side by side. In the upright Pentagram, he drew
the figure of a man. This man is the microcosm. Spirit is shown topmost and
honored, dominant over the physical elements of earth, air, fire and water.
This was the symbol of good, he argued. In the inverted Pentagram, Levi drew
the head of a goat. Matter is honored above spirit, the passive and base
exalted above the active and Divine. The goat's head represents lust, and
reinforces the image. Around the goat's head, Levi wrote the words SAMAEL
and LILITH, the two chief demons of Hebrew Kabbalistic thought. The
Pentagram was associated by Levi with a creature he claimed to be the
Baphomet supposedly worshipped by the Knights Templar.

Due to the church's persecution of anyone who posed a political threat, the
Masons were forced to flee to the border of Poland and Germany, which had
become a gathering place for free thinkers of all
kinds. Many spiritual organizations derive their history from that time and
place, and so too does the dissemination of the pentagram's symbolism into
Western spiritual-metaphysical usage.

Oswald Wirth drew a variation of this Pentagram with a double circle around
the Pentagram. In the circle he placed the letters LVYThN (Leviathan)
counter-clockwise around the Pentagram at the points. Maurice Bessy used
this design for the cover of his book Histoire en 1000 images de la magie.
An English edition was printed in 1964 and this was acquired by Anton
Szandor LaVey. LaVey traced this image, and used it as his "Baphomet" symbol
for his Church of Satan. It was the perfect representation of indulgence,
hedonism, and defiance of "white light" religion and Christianity (by
Baphomet's association with heresy). LaVey threw in a new interpretation as
well, that the three points down indicates that the Trinity is denied, while
two points up represents duality.

It is around this time that the Inquisition horrifically tortured and
murdered hundreds of thousands of women, children and men, who supposedly
consorted with a cloven-hoofed devil. Thus began the demonization of what
had long been a *revered* symbol within many Spiritual systems -- including
Christianity.

The pentagram was particularly popular in the British traditions of
Freemasonry in the 18th and 19th centuries and is still often used to
represent the seated Master of the Lodge. .... In the case of the Order of
the Eastern Star, each point of the pentagram represents a heroine of
Biblical lore (and also associated with Goddesses of pre-Biblical times).

Another aspect to consider is the Numerology (an ancient metaphysical
science/art) of the Pentacle. The number 5 corresponds to 'change' according
to the contemporary Pythagorean system. In
Kabbalistic thought (the Kabbalah is the Jewish mystical system) the number
5 corresponds to the sephiroth Geburah (glory). Geburah is in turn
associated with the planet Mars (named after the Roman God of agricultural,
who in later Classical times also became God of war). Thus the pentacle has
been used in modern military and para-military symbolism -- on uniforms,
badges, etc.

The Pentacle became associated with the 5 sacred elements: (in Western
useage: air, water, fire, earth, and Spirit. (In some metaphysical systems,
such as Wicca, the point facing upward symbolizes Spirit above/ ruling over
the other elements; downward, it symbolizes Spirit not yet "over" the
others.). In the Oriental systems, the elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal
and Water. The elements did and still do have an important place in the
various African Traditional Religions amoungst the Bantu, Fon, and others of
the Kongo delta region including their contemporary diasporia, as well as
among the Celtic tribes, and Amerindians.

In contemporary America the symbol of the pentagram has gained the most
notoriety through the works of Anton Zandor LaVey (founder of the "church of
Satan"). LaVey borrowed almost entirely from the illustrations of Francis
Barret and Eliphas Levi, and subsequently lumped them together to create the
modern association between the inverted pentacle and the goat head. Plus,
since the Pentagram in general is linked to *mystery religions*, magic and
alchemy, it is also considered Satanic.

Fundamentalist Christians simplistically and *erroneously* take Anton LaVey
and Eliphas Levi as absolute authorities on the history of the Pentagram. As
a result, any inverted Pentagram is immediately a dead give-away that the
owner or user is evil or Satanic. (Never mind that no one held this view
before Levi wrote in the mid 19th century).

Meanwhile, looking at things from an older, non-dualistic point of view, we
can make an observation on the inverted Pentagram as currently conceived:
While it is generally viewed as evil because it exalts matter over spirit,
spirit is still on the Pentagram. It is now buried, or hidden beneath
matter. It can (symbolically) be reached by the means of an *underworld*/
"Otherworld" journey, as a shaman would undertake. There one confronts death
and the Shadow. By confronting death and the Shadow, and dealing with them,
one finds oneself in the womb of Mother Earth, one now finds Wholeness
again... -- or as Mormons might say, in the position of potential rebirth
and renewal, and then on, to justification, sanctification and exaltation --
through the power of Jesus Christ.

Thus, we see the power of symbols -- we can let them speak to us and teach
us great insights, if we but seek with open minds, hearts and spirits.

written by Calixto M. Lopez with additions and comments by Gaia, and others
gaia_d@yahoo.com

The Craft is a religion of love and joy. It is not full of
gloom of Christianity, with its ideas of "original sin," with salvation and
happiness possible only in the afterlife. The music of Witchcraft is joyful
and lively, again contrasting with the dirge-like hymns of Christianity.
Much of it has to do with their empathy with nature. Early people lived
hand-in-hand with nature through necessity. They were apart of nature, not
separate from it. An animal was a brother or a sister, as was a tree. Wo/Man
tended the fields and in returned received food for the table. Sure, she/he
killed animals for food, but then many other animals killed other animals
for food. In other words, Wo/Men were a part of the natural order of things,
not separate from it, not "above" it.

Modern Wo/Man has lost much, it not all, of that closeness. Civilization has
cut them off. But not so the Witch! Even today, in this mechanized,
super-sophisticated world that this branch of nature (women and men) had
created, the Wicca retain their ties with Mother Nature. In books we are
told of the "incredible," "extraordinary" health reaction of plants to
kindness; of how they feel and react to good and evil; how they express
love, fear, hate. This is no new discovery. Witches have always known it.
They have always spoken kindly to plants. It is not unusual to see a Witch,
walking through the woods, stop and hug a tree or see a Witch throw off her
shoes and walk barefooted across a ploughed field. This is all part of
keeping in touch with nature, of not losing their heritage.

Take time to stop and appreciate all that is about you. Smell the earth, the
trees, and the leaves. Absorb their energies and send them yours. One of the
contributing factors to out isolation from the
rest of nature is in insulation of our shoes. Whenever you can go barefoot,
make contact with the earth. Feel it, absorb it. Show your respect and love
for nature and live with nature. In the same way live with other people.
There are many that you need, in the course of your life, which could
benefit from their encounter with you. Always be ready to help another in
any way you can. Don't ignore anyone, or look the other way when you know
they need help. If you can give assistance, give it gladly. At the same time
do not seek to take charge of another's life. We all have our own lives. If
you are able to give help, to advise, to point the way, than do so. It'll
than be up to the other to decide how to proceed from there.

Hear what I have to say, you who have asked me to be your teacher -- one who
will help you learn the Old Ways.

I will tell you many things during the time we are together. None is more
important for you to remember than this: I am Human.

I have studied for a long time and I've learned a great deal. I will share
as much of it with you as I can.

But I am Human.

I will always try to live up to the faith and trust you have in me.

But I am Human.

What does that mean? It means that I am not perfect. If I were, I wouldn't
be here. None of us is perfect. I have faults and I am probably more aware
of them than you are.

It means that I don't know, or claim to know, everything. I know a great
deal about certain subjects but I am not omniscient. It is entirely
possible, indeed, probable, that there are areas where you know much more
than I. I'm always learning, but so should you be. I hope to continue
learning through this life and others.

It means I can't do everything, physically or psychically. I have only so
much time, only so much energy, physically and psychically. It means I need
your help and encouragement as much, if not more, than you need mine. It
means I can, and probably will be, unreasonable, irritable and short
tempered at times. I'll try not to be, but you might see me that way.

It means I can succumb to any of various temptations. I can lose my
perspective, I can be jealous, selfish and materialistic. I hope I won't be,
but these are all things "flesh is heir to," human traits.

And I am Human.

Don't expect me to be anything else. Don't worship me or look at me in awe.
You'll only be disappointed and I have seen that disappointment cause
someone to leave their rightful path. Work with me, share with me, help me,
and in return you can expect all the love and understanding I have.

An initiation is an inner experience. A ceremony such as this can only act
as an aid or catalyst for this inner process. For this reason the right
moment and attitude when performing this ceremony are vital. Only your Inner
Self and Guides can tell whether the right moment has arrived. At any time
you may also apply to receive the Initiation at a Grove meeting of the
Order. The ceremony appears to be simple, but in its very simplicity lies
its depth and its power. If you perform the ceremony, you perform it solely
for yourself.

In the centre of a room or garden or forest grove where you can be assured
of quiet and privacy, place a candle, and other things if you wish, such as
flowers and incense. If outside you may light a small
fire rather than a candle.

Enter from the West. Circling sunwise (clockwise), salute the North (by
raising the palm of your hand upward in salutation) and say "May there be
Peace in the North." Continuing sunwise, go to the South and say "May there
be Peace in the South." Likewise to the West, then to the East. Turning to
the centre, from the West, open both hands in a gesture of giving and
salutation and say "May there be Peace throughout the whole world."

Recite the Druid Prayer:
Grant, O God /dess, thy Protection
And in protection, Strength
And in Strength, Understanding
And in Understanding, Knowledge
And in Knowledge, the Knowledge of Justice
And in the Knowledge of Justice, the Love of it
And in the love of it, the Love of all Existences
And in the love of all existences, the Love of God and all Goodness.

Move sunwise to the West, be seated there, facing East and the centre. Calm
yourself and await the inner sense that you can proceed.

Imagine a wise and kindly Druid, male or female, facing you, speaking the
following words: (You may read them aloud softly if you wish)

Druid: See we lead you to the heart of the temple-tomb, to the
heart of the Earth-Mother. (Pause. Now crouch in a kneeling or fetal
position in the centre of your circle. Do not hurry. Ask each of the
following questions slowly and allow the answer to arise from the depths of
your being. Pay attention to whatever the answer is, even if unexpected.)Druid: Are you prepared to awaken from your sleep? (You answer)Druid: Are you prepared to be fully born upon the earth? (You answer)Druid: Will you accept the sufferings you will experience with life
on earth? (You answer)Druid: Will you accept the love and the joy you will experience with
life on earth? (You answer. The pause)Druid: Stand up, for now is the time ordained for your birth. Rise
up, push away all that limits and holds you back! Be born into the world of
time and space in order that you may experience the bliss of the Creation.
(Rise up and stretch out your arms and legs and feel the joys of freedom of
movement for your body)Druid: Welcome to the Fellowship of the Grove of the Bards - the
first of the Sacred Groves of the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids. Here
may your find support and inspiration, nourishment and joy!

You may then spend time in meditation, or you may wish to finish the
ceremony. When you feel ready to finish, visualize the world bathed in
healing light. Say the prayer: "May the whole World be filled with Peace and
Love and Light" three times.

Become aware of your physical body and surroundings. Stand and say the
prayer: "May the blessing of the Uncreated One, of his Son/Daughter the
Created Word and of the Spirit that as Inspirer be
always with me. I declare the closing of this Initiation into the Bardic
Grade. Awen." (Pronounced AAH-O'O-EN - The significance of this sacred word
and `mantra' of the Druids will be discussed later.) Then extinguish the
candle, and as you do so, visualize the Light spreading out across the
Earth.

Astral Projection, out of body experience, lucid dreaming
Don't you want to know what the other side will be like?

We all leave our physical bodies when we go to sleep at night. You may have
thought you were dreaming when actually you out of body traveling 'round the
astral planes. For instance if you were dreaming in full blown color and
maybe flying or falling. In these scenarios you would be actually be astral
projecting. You can learn to consciously leave the body by using my porthole
device or you can use my dream control method, or maybe this method here.
Just so you know, there are many different methods to induce an out of body
experience. There is no best method. The best method is whatever works best
for you. Here is one simple method that is easy to learn.

1. Simply lay down with the lights off. Make sure you are completely
relaxed. Lie there and be quite and still, calm and clear your mind.

2. Imagine your astral body which may look like grey matter shaped in the
form of your body. Imagine it lifting and floating out of your body,
floating up to the ceiling in your room.

3. Turn and look down and try to see you body lying there. If you are
successful you may want to stay in the room and float around a bit, staying
close to the body. Or you can choose to walk through walls and travel to
where ever you wish to go. You can fly there or you can will yourself there
instantly.

Here are some pointers.

***Watch what you think. Everything you think can manifest on the astral
planes. So you don't want to be thinking about anything evil or you will
attract it!

***Anytime you think you are scared and or lost, just think of your body and
you will be back in it in a flash.

***Ever notice that when you are falling in a dream and you hit the bottom
you always wake up quickly! That is your astral body snapping back into
place.

***The use of drugs can lower your vibrations meaning you will not be able
to travel to higher astral planes where the vibrations are higher.

***The reason you will want to travel higher on the astral planes is because
you may have to escape an attack by a lower vibrating entity. They can not
travel to the higher planes.

I will go more into depth on the Astral planes at a later time.

Are you ready to try the...
Astral Accelerator Portal Device? The Astral Accelerator is for producing
conscious OBE's for people who are experienced at projecting and for those
who are still learning. This will help you to center your mental focus by
concentrating on the center ring. This is the door where you will go
through. When staring at this device try to see past the door and you will
feel the magnetic pull of the out rings pulling you in. Even if you don't
consciously project you will at least feel the magnetic pull and you can try
to simulate that when you lay down in bed and try the last method I
discussed.

The Dream Control Method...
Learn to realize you are having an out of body experience through dream
control!

First you will want to study my dream control methods on my Dream Recall
page! Then when you have become successful with that part of dream control ,
you will be ready for this part...

You need to advance your dream techniques to where you realize that you are
dreaming so that you can control the dream. Once you realize that you are
dreaming you will find that you can control where you want to go and what
you want to do. Now I am talking about when you have a dream that is in full
blown color. Those type of dreams usually mean that your are actually out of
body. You see when people go to sleep at night their astral bodies leave and
float around the astral planes in a dreamy state or gathering energy.
Sometimes you may be learning things from other higher beings and eventually
it is released in your conscious state later on when these beings think the
time is right. You just have to become conscious of all this. Remember
dreams that are in black and white are usually just plain dreams. They can
be controlled too but you are going to get the best results with the ones in
full color. Here are your key pointers...
***Work with dreams that are in full blown color.

***You must learn to become conscious during the dream.

***Try to take control of the dream and go where you wish.

***When you have achieved control you will know you have had an OBE!

***Remember to keep a diary of every experience.

I will have more on the astral planes and how they work soon as time allows.

Since I am an artist and summoned,
let me give everyone interested in making their own wand some
ideas............

Get a wooden dowel from the hardware store or an arm's length stick from an
oak, apple, or dogwood tree (if you have another 'special' tree in mind- go
for it!) Look up meanings for colors and paint the stick with the color you
choose *I have found that colors are important* Go to your local
department/general, craft, art, fabric store and buy the small copper wire
they sell (usually for making beaded necklaces- make sure it is written on
the package that the wire is copper!) It will make this whole process easier
if you purchase some needle nose pliers (with wire-cutter blades built in at
the pliers joint)!!! Trust me on this one- they will be a tremendous help!!!
Now get yourself a small clear crystal and with some strong glue (like Goop
or even glue from a 'hot glue gun') and attach the small crystal to the tip
of your stick. Let dry overnight. The next day, wrap the copper wire
tightly, securing the crystal and continue wrapping the copper wire snugly
for the whole length of your stick *Copper is very important for
transcending energy in magic as well as the crystal.* Be sure to glue the
ends of the copper wire to your stick after you wind it around your stick
(if you do not glue it as well as 'tying it off' at the ends, it will loosen
itself eventually). I suggest charging this wand under a new moon (when the
moon is full and in the following nights it will rebuild itself / known as
'waxing'). Leave it under the new moon for 3 hours or the whole evening. I
even suggest before putting in under the moon to prick you finger and rub
your blood on the length of the wand and say a few chants you find
meaningful.
Vladsmage

I just wanted to put it out there that some people just don't ever make a
wand. There are a lot of pagans who make wands for purchase. Often, if you
see one that you like, but it's not quite right,
you can find out who made it, and request that one be made that is a bit
more personal to you. Any good pagan artisan will make sure the wand has not
been charged but is clean. You would still want
to do a basic cleansing before blessing and charging your wand. Just my $.02
Blessed Be,
Thea Witchcraft for Adults egroup

When our earliest ancestors first painted images of their religious rituals
on the walls of sacred caves and understood all of Nature to be inhabited by
Spirit, there can be little doubt that they first reckoned time by the
waxing and waning of the Moon. The primary reason for this is that the
monthly cycles of the Moon are far more visible than the slow and subtle
changes in the position of the Sun, even to someone who is not especially
looking for repeated cycles. One of the earliest calendars known (although
its use is still a controversy that may never be settled) is a 30,000
year-old piece of bone from Europe. It is pierced with variously shaped
holes in a series of sevens, suggesting the quarters of the Moon, in a loop
design, which represents the Lunar cycle from New Moon to Full and back to
the New or Dark of the Moon. The artifact, just a few inches across,
describes three such Lunar cycles - three months or one season.

Because there are 13 Lunar months in a year, and because the first New
Moon does not necessarily coincide with the first day of the first Solar
month, the Full Moon, midpoint of the lunar month, may not always fall in
the Solar month that is given here. And because there are 13 Full Moons in a
Solar year, one month will have two. The second Full Moon to occur in a
Solar month is popularly called the Blue Moon.

January

To each Lunar month the ancients assigned a name in accordance with the
nature of the activity that took place at that time. The Moon of deepest
Winter is the Wolf Moon, and its name recalls a time when our ancestors
gathered close around the hearth fire as the silence of the falling snow was
pierced by the howling of wolves. Driven by hunger, wolves came closer to
villages than at any other time of the year, and may have occasionally
killed a human being in order to survive. The wolf in northern countries was
at one time so feared that it became the image of Fenris, the creature of
destruction that supposedly will devour the world at the end of time. The
Christian version of the myth would leave it at that, but the myth
continues. Like the wolf in the fairy tale of Little Red Ridinghood, which
preserves the full idea of the myth but is used only to frighten children,
the wolf is slain; and the grandmother, like the world, is brought forth
once more. As the light of the newborn year slowly increases and the Wolf
Moon waxes full, it is a good time to look back upon that which has just
ended and learn from our experiences. Bid the past farewell and let it go in
order to receive the year that has just been born. Learning to let go of
that which we would cling to is one of the greatest secrets of magick.

February

The Moon following the Wolf Moon is the Storm Moon. Whether you meet with
a coven on the night of the Full Moon, salute Her in a solitary ritual, or
simply blow Her a kiss, bear in mind the magick of this night and the nature
of the storms of February. Unlike the boisterous storms of the light half of
the year, which are accompanied by the clashing of thunder and the flinging
of lightning bolts, the storms of February come in silence. They blanket the
world in coldness in keeping with the nature of the dark half of the Wheel
of the Year. But beneath the blanket of cold and silent snow, Nature rests,
as we do when in the realm of the Spirit that is called death; and like
those in the world of Spirit, Nature prepares for life anew.

March

The Moon following the Storm Moon is the Chaste Moon. Like Diana, chaste
Goddess of the Moon, all of Nature at this moment is pure potential waiting
to be fulfilled. The Goddess has many forms: The maiden pure and lovely as
the snow of February, the seductive enchantress of the night, or the Crone
ancient and wise. As the Goddess can change Her form according to the Moon
or according to Her will, ever renewing Herself, ever beginning again, so
can we, Her children always begin again by discovering new potential within
ourselves. When you cast the Circle of the Chaste Moon, when the candles
have been lit and the incense burned, look deep within yourself to discover
what potential lies there waiting, like the Maiden, to be fulfilled. As it
is the time for the planting of seeds on the material plane, so may it be
time to do so on the psychic planes as well. On the night that the Seed Moon
(another name for the Chaste Moon) of March is full, cast your magick
Circle. Then before the rite has ended, select the spiritual seeds you would
like to plant. They may be seeds of wisdom, seeds of understanding, or seeds
of certain magickal skills. Then by an act of will, plant these seeds in the
fertile soil of your subconscious mind with the firm commitment that they
will be nurtured and cultivated in the months that lie ahead, so that they
will grow and flower and bear fruit.

April

As the Hare Moon of April waxes full, observe the rabbits leaping and
playing, carefree in their mating and joyful in their games, and as you cast
your Esbat Circle and joyfully dance the round, feel within your heart the
carefree nature of the wild creatures that are also children of the Old
Gods.

May

This time of the Sacred Marriage of the God and Goddess is the Dyad Moon,
the time when the two become one, when all things meet their opposites in
perfect balance and in perfect harmony. As you cast your Circle this night
of the Dyad Moon, adorn it with apple blossoms, and light candles of white.
When the sacred round has been danced, sit a moment and reflect. Seek
harmony in all things. As the dark half of the Wheel of the Year balances
the light, as heat balances cold, recall the words of the Goddess; "Let
there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honor and humility,
mirth and reverence, within you." And then before the rite is ended, if it
is appropriate, become one with your working partner, physically as well as
spiritually.

June

After the spectacular flowers of May have passed and the bees have
gathered their pollen and nectar, the hives are filled with honey that is
waiting to be gathered. In ancient times much of this honey was made into a
drink called mead by a fermentation process similar to that of making wine.
The "Moon in June" is the Mead Moon. Mead has been considered to have
magickal and even life-restoring properties in many of the countries of
ancient Europe, and it was the drink of many of the great heroes of legend.
The legendary figure Robin Hood, who is accepted historically as being a
composite of several peasant leaders during the reign of King Richard I, is
also generally accepted by Pagans as being one of us. One reason is that
Robin was a popular Witch name, and also because he was always described as
being dressed in green, symbolic of the Green Man of Sherwood Forest.
Lincoln green, which is made from woad, the dyestuff used by the Picts of
ancient Britain and the Druid priestesses, is also a color that symbolizes,
historically, the Pagan peasantry. Among the articles robbed from the rich
by Robin Hood are "met and met." This probably means "meat and mead." In the
myth of Odin, one of His quests is for the Poetic Mead of Inspiration, which
He returns to the realm of the Gods where it belongs, but a few drops fall
to Earth, and this may be had by anyone who can find them. On the night that
the Mead Moon waxes full, after the Circle has been cast and dancing done,
fill the cup with mead (if it is available), sweet wine, or an herb tea
sweetened with honey. Sip the sweet drink and sit quietly and make yourself
a vessel ready to receive the inspiration of the higher realms. Become a
mead cup ready to be filled, not with the brew of everyday life but with the
clear, bright liquid of illumination. Every time this ritual is performed,
even if there are no immediate results, you are becoming a more perfect
vessel for divine inspiration. If the night of the Mead Moon is very close
to the Summer Solstice, the results of this exercise can be very powerful.
If the Mead Moon is full on Midsummer Night, then the priestess into whom
the Moon is Drawn should be prepared.

July

As the Wort Moon of July waxes full, this is the time for gathering of
herbs. The word wort is old Anglo-Saxon for "herb." When the magickal herbs
have been gathered and hung to dry, the time of the Wort Moon is the time to
give thanks to the spirits who dwell in the herb garden, and to leave them
an offering. Perhaps as you place an offering in the moonlit garden, they
will whisper to you other secrets of herbal magick.

August

One day at mid-month we realize that the robins and wrens that were
nesting nearby have simply vanished. Their lovely songs have been replaced
by the shrill calls of the blue jays, which were so silent during the
nesting season. As August progresses the days are still hot but nighttime
temperatures are beginning to cool, and the late afternoon thunderstorms
that bring the cooler air also bring about the ripening of tomatoes. In the
fields and meadows and along roadsides now there are wild herbs to be
gathered. There are goldenrod, Queen Anne's lace, and milkweed - all
awaiting the natural dyer who can extract from them tan, green, and bright
yellow respectively, for dyes and for natural inks for talismans. Among the
medicinal herbs to be collected at this time is boneset, which does not help
broken bones to heal but is a febrifuge that was used as a remedy for
"Breakbone Fever" in the 1840s. Milkweed pods with their silken fluff,
goldenrod, and wild grasses and grains gathered now will be dried in time to
adorn the altar at the Autumnal Equinox. As the Aramaic herbs begin to fill
the rafters in the dry heat of the attic, and the braids of onions and
garlic fill the cool darkness of the root cellar, the golden grain and
yellow corn ripen in the fields under the waning August Sun. To the Ancients
this was the Barley Moon, a time to contemplate the eternalness of life.
Just as we are descended from the first woman and the first man, who
descended from the Gods, so is the grain of the bread that we eat descended
from the first grain ever gathered? By ritually eating the Lammas bread we
are participating in a chain of events that stretches back through time to
the Gods themselves. And here before us in the ripening fields is the
promise of the future. Everywhere there is abundance - in herb garden, the
vegetable garden, the field, and the orchard. The pantry shelves are lined
with glistening glass jars that are filled with colorful fruits and
vegetables preserved for Winter days; quarts of red tomatoes, cucumbers in
slices or spears, dark red beets with cloves and cinnamon sticks, the yellow
of corn, the orange of carrots - a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
The house is filled with delightful aromas as pickling spices are added to
crocks of brine and exotic chutneys simmer on the stove. But the time of
abundance is drawing to a close. The fireflies of June and July have given
way to katydids, whose scratchy calls to one another fill the evening air of
August with the promise of frost in six weeks.

September

Since wine was, and is, such a sacred fluid, the Pagans of old naturally
named this Lunar month the Wine Moon. As you celebrate the night of the Full
Wine Moon and dance the magickal round in the moonlit Circle, pour some
white wine in a silver cup. Before the rite is ended, if possible, catch Her
reflection in the liquid, and then take a sip. As the Moon-blessed wine
casts its inner glow, sit quietly and feel your own spirit, of which the
wine is a symbol. As the body is stilled and the spirit soars, feel on this
night of magick a sense of the kind of transformation that takes place
during true spiritual initiation. Today the term Harvest Moon is applied to
the Full Moon nearest to the Autumnal Equinox. This is because, it is said,
in other times when harvesting was done by hand, as the days grew shorter
farmers were able to work into the night in the brightness of Her light.

October

At this time of year the abundance of fruit and vegetables begins to
slow. It is a time when our ancient ancestors gathered what they could store
and then supplemented their Winter diets either by hunting wild animals or
by slaughtering domestic ones. So this Lunar month is called the Blood Moon.
As you cast the Esbat Circle on this moonlit Autumn night and fill the cup
with blood-red wine, know that you will be joined in the sacred dance not
only by the unseen presence of departed friends and family so close at this
time of year, but also by the spirits of animals as well, perhaps of those
that have died so that we may have food. In this age of assembly line
slaughterhouses and meatpacking plants, it is especially appropriate that on
this night of the Blood Moon we who are on the Pagan path ritually ask the
understanding of our animal sisters and brothers, bless them, and bid them
merry meet, merry part, and merry meet again.

November

As the Winter Sun wanes and the Snow Moon waxes full, cast your Circle in
the warm glow of candlelight. Salute the Moon in Her snowy whiteness and
breathe in the coolness of Her light. Become as still as this Winter night,
and know that the activity of the warm light months is behind us. Ahead are
the dark months of the year. The Spirit is most active when the body is most
still.

December

The Full Moon nearest the Winter Solstice is the Oak Moon, the Moon of
the newborn year, the Divine Child. Like the Divine Child who is born to die
and dies to be reborn anew, the ancient Oak has its trunk and branches in
the material world of the living, while its roots, the branches in reverse,
reach deep into the Underworld, symbolic land of the Spirit. As the roots
probe downward into the gravelike darkness of the Earth, its branches grow
ever upward toward the light, to be crowned by sacred Mistletoe. At this
most magickal time of the year, as the light of the old dying year wanes and
the Oak Moon waxes to full, cast your Circle wearing Mistletoe in your hair.
Let this token remind you that like the Oak, we too dwell simultaneously in
two worlds - the world of physical matter and the world of Spirit. As you
invoke the Goddess of the Moon, ask that you become ever more aware of the
other side of reality and the unseen forces and beings that are always among
us.

Integrity... Making that choice! by Wren
Walker(taken from
http://www.witchvox.com/xbasics.html)

Since its inception,

the Witches' Voice,
has been barraged with email asking the simple question... "How do I become
a Witch"? Although, it has never been the mission of the Witches' Voice to
actually teach Witchcraft we find ourselves constantly shocked at the awful
responses the Teenage Witch or new seeker receives from many that "claim"
themselves "elders" of the craft. For this we apologize. We will never
preach or claim to "have the answer". There are indeed many paths and many
ways, it is our goal to give you the tools to get started and what to look
out for.

What? Are YOU Still Here?

You have probably noticed -astute students that you are!- that I have
made little mention of the Gods and Goddesses in this series. In fact, early
on I cautioned you to NOT make a commitment to the Old Ones just yet. There
is a real reason for this and it is now time to discuss it.

There has been a small but insistent clamor lately from those who wonder
why no one is teaching the "deeper" things of the Craft. The first reason is
that these are difficult issues to write about. The second reason is that
they are even more difficult to actually work through. And the third reason?
(I'm Celtic-I think in threes!) These are the issues that will determine if
Witchcraft is really the religion for you.

You may think that you are sure already. "Of course, Witchcraft is for
me! Why would I have been studying this for a year and a day if I didn't
think this was my Path?", you may exclaim. Well, hold off on that
impassioned vow. A few more moments will not make a difference... or will
it?

What you have been DOING so far is studying and practicing. What you have
been LEARNING is what all this study and practice means to YOU. You have
been forming your own sense of...

INTEGRITY:

What is "Integrity"? According to the Oxford English Dictionary,
"integrity" means "The condition of having no part or element taken away or
wanting; undivided or unbroken state; material wholeness; completeness;
entirety." Or better still, "The condition of not being marred or violated;
unimpaired or uncorrupted; a condition of soundness."

That is what you have been learning to do in the previous lessons. You
have been doing exercises that have helped you to form your own 'faculty of
judgment', your own 'condition of soundness'. You have been working on
building your personal integrity. You have to know what it is that you
believe before you can make a decision on what is right or wrong for you.

Many problems that now exist in the Pagan community would probably never
have come about if more people had taken the time and made the honest effort
to find out if Witchcraft really was for them BEFORE they made a commitment
to it. Instead they find themselves in situations where they are forced to
either, 1. admit that they made a wrong choice, or 2. try to change the
religion to fit them. Instead of Witchcraft transforming them, some attempt
to transform Witchcraft to suit their particular needs and desires. They are
'continually re-inventing' Witchcraft and Wicca to suit themselves!

"A PROMISE IS A PROMISE"...

If you have decided that Wicca is your religion of choice, you have
committed yourself to following its basic principles. One of these
principles is, of course, the Rede. If you are promising to abide by the
precepts of "And It Harm None..", have you worked out what you would do if
someone attacked you? Attacked your child? Does "harm none" mean you should
become a vegetarian? Do you think that it is even possible to "harm none?"
Well, that is what you are promising to do, isn't it?

Traditional Witchcraft may not have a "Rede" of its own, but Witches were
known as the "Wise Ones" for a good reason. They were respected. They were
fair. They were healers. They helped the community. They changed things.
They made good decisions. They didn't promise what they could not deliver
and they delivered what they promised. It is still the same today.

Too often folks make a promise in haste and then spend countless hours
justifying why they had to break that promise "just this once" because of
"conditions beyond their control." They have their reasons-lots and lots of
reasons. Truth is, they just didn't give enough thought to their commitment
BEFORE they made it. If you haven't given serious thought and reflection to
both the results and obligations contained within a promise, do not make
one! And most certainly not to the Gods...

"If someone turned your body over to just any person who happened to meet
you, you would be angry. But are you not ashamed that you turn over your own
FACULTY OF JUDGMENT to whoever happens along...'-Epictetus

INTEGRITY REQUIRES THREE THINGS:

1. The ability to discern what is right and what is wrong.

This requires reflection, time and effort. It is a difficult process but
one which cannot be avoided by anyone who truly wants to be a spiritual
person. How much easier it is to find someone else to tell us what to do,
what to read, what to think and how to act! But then, who would actually be
living your life? Who would be in control? Who is pulling the strings? If
you don't think that you would enjoy being a puppet, then you simply must
find out where your limits are, what you believe to be correct behavior and
what you yourself are willing-and unwilling- to do.

Whether there is an "absolute" right or wrong is something that
theologians and philosophers have been wrangling with for centuries. In fact
the very thought that they could be wrong keeps many people from being
willing to take a stand on anything at all!

The possibility that you may be wrong is lessened by careful study,
investigation and thought. Of course, you may be honest about a belief.
Later you may find out that you were honestly wrong! However, approaching
each subject with an open mind; examining all the possibilities, answering
all the 'what ifs" will help you sort this out. Make no mistake about it,
this is the most difficult process that you will ever undertake.

Most people and societies do agree that some things are just "more" right
than others. (You need to find out the measure of your own "rightness
quotient". You need to do the work of creating your personal code of
behavior and ethics. Then you can hold that as a standard for decisions on
what religion, what group or what Path is correct for you. And you thought
that just finding a coven was hard! Finding the right coven, the right
place, the right religion can change your life for the better. The wrong
choice can be devastating.

If you have not done this work, then you are basically leaving yourself
open to follow anything or anyone -and to do anything that they tell you.
Witchcraft and Wicca are religions of personal power and responsibility. If
you are not willing to do the work of discernment and introspection-to
formulate a set of integrated values for yourself-then Witchcraft and Wicca
are probably not for you.

INTEGRITY MEANS DOING THE RIGHT THING:

2. Acting on what you have discerned even at personal cost.

Suppose the teacher that you have been studying with begins to introduce
issues or behaviors that you just don't feel are "right'. Suppose that you
now find that having sexual relations are a part of this group's workings?
What if suddenly this loving coven wants you to do a death spell against
someone who has given another coven mate a hard time? What about that "harm
none' thing? What if you do not want to participate in this activity? But
what if, by refusing to participate, you can no longer be part of this
group? What will you do?

You may have put a lot of time and effort into a group. You may have even
been initiated or attained a degree. These people are your friends-maybe you
even think of them as your 'family." Now you face losing all this and
starting over. The group may say bad things about you if you leave. You may
lose your friends and their support. You have to decide- do you stay and
compromise your own code of right and wrong? Do you leave? Where is your
soundness, your faculty of judgment, your integrity now?

The truth is that most of us cannot say whether we really possess
integrity until we are tested on it. Doing what we believe to be
right-determined by the hard work of reflective discernment-even when it
becomes personally painful tells us if we indeed have it or not. Didn't I
tell you that there is ALWAYS a test? This is one. There will be others. Get
used to it. Witchcraft and Wicca are religions that require that we as
Witches and Wiccans are equal to the challenges that life brings our way. If
you can easily compromise your ethical principles or can turn your back to
what you know to be right action, then Witchcraft and Wicca are not for you.

INTEGRITY MEANS KEEPING YOUR COMMITMENTS:

3. You openly declare where you stand.

Now we finally get to the Gods and the Goddesses! Do you still think that
you are prepared to stand before Them and pledge your life, your heart and
your hands to Their service? For that is what the religion of Witchcraft and
Wicca are all about-SERVICE.

It is not about gaining power-although that will certainly be a part of
your magickal life! It is about enabling others to learn ways to empower
themselves.

It is not about "getting more" for you-although you will benefit in
untold ways. It is about "giving more" to others in Their Name.

It is not about changing others to suit or cater to you-although others
will find you nice to be around! It is about changing yourself, so that you
are better equipped to do the work of the Old Ones on this Earth.

It is not about fame-although others will seek you out. It is about being
available to help those in need.

It is not about pulling others down-although what is not working will
fall before you. It is about building others up and creating new and healthy
systems.

It is not about financial wealth-although you will always feel "rich!" It
is about sharing what you have with the rest of the community.

It is about keeping promises, going the extra mile, doing what is correct
and for the good of all. It is about uprightness, honor, truth, healing,
giving and service.

It is above all holding high the Names of the Old Ones, keeping to their
Ways, honoring all Their children, caring for the Earth and being committed
to carrying out whatever tasks that They have set upon you to do. It is
about Integrity-Theirs, yours, ours.

I know that some of us have been talking about this, but I
never
really went into, how to make the staff.

I used a piece of copper tubing from the local hardware store. Get it cut to
your height roughly, and a couple of end copper end caps. Perform any
cleansing rituals you want to on the items that you will
be placing into the staff. The idea of having a hollow tube for the staff is
so that you can place any items into it, before charging it, to make it
stronger for your needs.

Sit and think about what you want to do with your staff, before you place
anything in it. If you want to only healings with it, then the majority of
your herbs will be psychic and healing type herbs and
stones.

I added the following to mine: Rosebuds, Lavender, Hyssop, Galangal, Elder,
Lilac, Dandelion, Geranium, Petrified Wood, Fire Opal, Aquamarine, Moss
Agate, Topaz, Clear Calcite, Lodestone, the Kamea of the Sun with an
appropriate talisman drawn in Dragon's Blood ink, the symbol of Pluto drawn
in Dragon's Blood ink, Tiger's Eye, some Seals from the 6th and 7th Books of
Moses. I followed by painting the staff, and then putting a good coat of
lacquer on it. Then I painted any additional Runes and Sigils of various
spirits from the Goetia and various Archangels on it, followed by another
coat of lacquer.

You can finish with other little things like bells, leather cords and the
like. The last item I put on mine was a High Grade Quartz Crystal that I
secured using PC-11 glue. Make sure that the end caps are on good and tight.
Another option is to get a small supply of rubber ends used for canes and
walking sticks. That way, if you ever change your mind about what you added,
or want to add something else at a later date, all you have to do is remove
the rubber end and add the item.

Make sure that you recharge the staff every Full moon.
Dark Archangel Witchcraft for Adults egroup

Boil everything down to it's barest essentials, to do that - eliminate the
people. Don't involve any people in your spell itself - this doesn't mean
you have to work alone, this means don't put spells on people! Remember, the
only person you can work on is yourself! The only person you have the right
to try to change is yourself - work on being the person you always thought
you would be.

Get down to the nitty-gritty, what do you want? Be exact: "I want a job
where I make X dollars an hour, I enjoy what I am doing, I get along with my
co-employees and my employer, I work only 9-5 weekdays, I have Holidays off
and other time off as needed, etc." Now I don't say exactly what or who I
will work for, I leave that to the Universe (and/or God/dess) to manifest
that for me. This is being "generally specific" by saying what I want but
not how it has to present itself.

Also plan to read the want ads and go on job interviews, you need to put
yourself in a place or position where your spell CAN manifest. If you don't
look, you won't find.

Now, fine tune your spell by adding more ingredients in the way of day of
the week, time of the day, runes (if any), herbs, oil, soap, candles, cycle
of the Moon, incense, etc. The more vibrations you tune in to your spell,
the more fun Younger Self has with it. Also the more energy and thought and
research you are putting in, the more you will get back. Remember to
construct your spell in rhyme, as a chant works best, and be positive (say
what you want, not what you don't want). See as happening NOW, not tomorrow
or some time in the distant future. Your subconscious mind only knows HERE
and NOW.

BASIC SPELLCRAFT CORRESPONDENCE LISTING

To help you get all the ingredients you want into your spellcraft I have
provided the following listing. This is similar to what you can find in a
magickal diary, and should be the elements you want to include in your book
of shadows. Writing everything down including the results, will help you to
see how effective your magick is, and will help you to fine tune your
skills.

I have tried to make this list as complete as possible, but feel free to
add any ingredient that you wish to work with that may not be listed here in
the space provided for "other". The first step, then, is to fill in the list
with all the elements that correspond to your desire, whether or not you
intend to actually use them. After you have compiled the complete listing of
all ingredients you could use, then you can go back and decide exactly which
ingredients you choose to use. You can use them all. People normally will
choose what they have readily available, and work with those. You may find
something by doing this research that you hadn't thought of before, but that
will fit so perfectly into your ritual that you want to include it, and that
is the beauty of making this list. Choices should always be thoroughly
explored before beginning the magick itself.

Fill out this list using resources and books that you may have on hand,
and also using your own intuition. "The Spiral Dance" by Starhawk has many
useful Tables of Correspondences in the back of it, as do many books on the
Craft. Do the research, do the work, it is worth the effort, for what you
put out is what you will get back in terms of magickal energy.

Now go back and decide which of these elements you choose to incorporate
into the spell itself. Remember to keep you numerology as consistent as
possible. See what substitutions you may have to make. For example, in
Cunningham's "Wicca for the Solitary Practitioner", he gives substitutions
for plants and herbs that may not be available in your area. You don't have
to use what is listed in a book, either, if it feels wrong to you. Go with
your own feelings, for this spell is for you and about you, and you are the
most important element in it. It must feel right to you to be the most
effective.

Decide what KIND of spell you are going to do, candle magick, poppet
magick, etc. What kind of energy raising do you want to use for this spell?
Chanting, dancing, and physical activity, or do you wish to raise energy
through meditation and visualization? This depends entirely on your own
expertise and comfort. It's better to go with the method that is appealing
to you until you have perfected which method you like best. This is work,
and raising and sending the energy successfully takes practice.

What words will you use for your purpose? Remember that chanting is
better done in rhyme for younger self. A method that works well and is
fairly simple to remember is to make a couplet, or two line rhyme about your
purpose. To say, "I want a wonderful, fulfilling job that is exactly perfect
for me" is an excellent statement. To say the same thing in a rhyme,
something like, "When the Moon is at her peak, The perfect job is what I
seek" is easier to get into, has a good beat for chanting, and will help you
focus your energy. This is an example of translating your desires into
rhyme. Play with it a bit. Avoid the temptation to write long verses for
this, keep it simple and easy to remember, since you really don't want to be
reading all this while you are trying to raise the energy.

Now that you have the basics down, it's time to write what you plan to
do. I recommend highly that you take a spiritual bath first, and that you do
cast a circle or some kind of protected, sacred space. So include those
items in your plan. Use an appropriate bath salt, or herbs and oils in your
bath to coincide with your magickal working. Write down all the supplies you
will need for your magick. If you plan to inscribe your candle in circle,
write down the tool you will use to do that on your list too! Make this a
recipe for your magick, and list EVERYTHING you will need. It is very
distracting to be right in the middle of working only to find that you
forgot something and you have to leave the circle area to get it.

Read your ritual aloud. Does it make sense? Does is sound good to you?
Does it sound like too much work? Seriously, sometimes people get so carried
away with the writing of the ritual that they include lots of readings and
lots of activities to be done over a series of days, and then when it gets
right down to doing it, they haven't the time to complete it because there's
just too much! Be realistic in what you WILL be able to do. You can include
a lot of elements to fine tune the ritual, but still keep the basic magick
itself simple and focused. Like anything else, it comes with practice.

So after all this, you may say to yourself, "Why don't I just use some
one else's ritual who has already done all this work for me?" That's a
really good question! And here's "my" answer: Spells that we write for
ourselves have so much more impact and work better in our own lives than any
spell someone else could write for us. This doesn't mean that you can't use
someone else's rhyme, or use someone's idea, or their choice of Goddess or
whatever you like. Go ahead! You can always borrow ideas from other people,
that's how we grow and learn. And you can use other people's spells as well,
and they can be very effective.

My point is simply, if you don't do the work for yourself, you don't get
the chance to learn and grow. Since that is always my goal, that's how I
teach. Spellcraft is an art and takes time to learn. If you don't wish to
learn the art, then just use any spell that looks good to you out of a book
and it will be effective to a certain degree. You must do what makes YOU
happy, and what you are able to do. The only wrong thing there is, in my
opinion, is to force your will on another person, which is harm. "An it harm
none, do what ye will."

Because of the very nature of Magick, each working should be highly
individualized and personal. Even if following a traditional spell, it
should be tailored to your specific needs to be most effective for you.
Understanding the basics of Spell Construction will enable you to formulate
your own specific, effective spells for any purpose you desire.

Preliminary planning is necessary. The very first step is to decide
precisely what your desired end result is to be. Before you can start, you
must decide where you are going. You must be very explicit. It is important,
also, that you choose your time carefully. You should take into
consideration all Astrological implications, energy currents and Moon
phases. The Moon is the astronomical body closest to us and, therefore, has
a profound influence upon us, it is very important to choose a time when the
Moon is in an astrological sign which is appropriate for your working. For
example: Aries/Action - Enthusiasm, Taurus/ Renewal - Sensuality,
Gemini/Communication - Curiosity, Cancer/Emotion - Nurturing, Leo/Vitality -
Determined, Virgo/Organizing - Studious, Libra/Balance - Cooperation,
Scorpio/Sexual - Philosophical, Capricorn/ Authority - Ambitious,
Aquarius/Innovation - Social,Pisces/Sensitivity - Idealistic. Bear in mind
that magickal workings for gain, increase or bringing things to you, should
be initiated when the Moon is Waxing (from Dark to Full); when the Moon is
Waning (from Full to Dark), it is time for magickal workings of decrease or
sending away. The highest energy occurs at the Full Moon and, therefore,
this is the most powerful time for magickal workings. The New Moon is the
next most powerful time for Magick. Whenever possible, follow Nature's
natural Energy Currents. There is a natural time for starting things (a
planting time), for maturing things (a growing time), for reaping things (a
harvest time) and, of course, a time for rest and planning. Flowing with
these currents will make your magickal work much easier.

Remember to plan your project for a time of uninterrupted privacy. It is
important that you have no distractions. Generally speaking, it is best to
work as late at night as possible. A time when there is less frantic energy
is most appropriate. You might consider Midnight or later.

In choosing a place to do your magickal working pay particular attention to
your needs, for you must be comfortable. Your place should be private, quiet
and secure. If at all possible, set aside a special place for this purpose
only. An unused room, a special corner of your bedroom, a quiet, secluded
spot in your garden. A place that is yours. A place that you can come to
whenever need arises and that is as free from intrusion of others as
possible. Prior to the night of your magickal working, gather together the
things that you will need. All of the things used are tools. They have no
inherent magick. They are to help you create a mood. If correctly made and
used, they will trigger primitive responses from deep within you. They
should be chosen with care. Consider the purpose of your ritual and choose
your tools accordingly. If your magick is to be sexual, your candles, oils,
incenses and so forth, should bring forth a sexual response. If the desired
result of your Magick is Tranquility, then the tools should make you feel
calm, peaceful and serene. Any candles you might use should not have
commercially added fragrances as these may not be appropriate for your
working. Prior to your ritual, prepare yourself and your equipment by any
means necessary to clean and purify. Historically, people have fasted,
followed meticulous and detailed bathing practices, practiced chastity and
used many other methods. Most often a Ritual Bath is the preferred method. A
bath frequently utilizing candlelight, fragrant herbs, bath salts or
sensuous oils. A sumptuous hot bath, special bathing reparations and
appropriate lighting, combined, can create the soothing effect which will
help in the very important step of relaxing and clearing the mind completely
of all mundane thoughts and experiences of the day. Your ritual Bath should,
also, begin to set the specific vibrations conducive to your purpose into
motion. You must not only cleanse and purify but must, also, begin to create
the type of energy necessary.

Once your purification process has been accomplished, you are now ready to
begin. Proceed to the special place you have previously chosen in which to
perform your magick. If at all possible, you should make use of the
primitive responses set into motion by a well chosen piece of music. Your
music should start slowly and build to a rousing climax. As you use your
oils, light your candle or incense (or utilize any other tool you have
chosen), you should begin to further intensify the energy that you have set
into motion around you. A high degree of intensity is vitally important. The
Altered State of Consciousness that you must reach is not a meditative
state. Anything that interferes with your ability to concentrate upon, reach
and control the high energy state necessary to perform magick should be
avoided. Such as, screaming children,
a sink full of dirty dishes, use of alcohol or drugs, etc. Do not scatter
your energy by attempting to do more than one magickal working at a time.
Remember that Magick is the manipulation of energy, a thought is a form of
energy and visualization is an even stronger form of energy. Your
visualization can be a method used to intensify further and direct your
will. Your visualization can be the method by which you control the magickal
energy you have produced. You must know what you want. You must see it. You
must feel the high energy flow. You must direct it. One of the most
important elements in the practice of any form of Magick is the Universal
Law of Cause and Effect. This means that whatever you do (or don't do) you
cause something to happen. The most important consideration is the Universal
Law of Retribution. This means that no matter what you do, it comes back to
you in like kind. It is the nature of things that as you send something out
it gains momentum, so that, by the time it comes back to you, it is three
times stronger. If you do something nice for someone, someone will do
something nicer for you. "As you weave and spin your spell, Three fold
return the tale will tell."

The
Sabbats tell of one of the stories of the Goddess and God, of their
relationship and the effects this has on the fruitfulness of the Earth.
There are many variations on these myths, but here's a fairly common one,
woven into the basic descriptions of the Sabbats.

Yule =

The Goddess gives birth to a son, the God, at Yule (circa December 21).
This is in no way an adaptation of Christianity. The Winter Solstice has
long been viewed as a time of divine births. Mithras was said to have been
born at this time. The Christians simply adopted it for their use in 273 CE
(Common Era).

Yule is a time of the greatest darkness and is the shortest day of the
year. Earlier peoples noticed such phenomena and supplicated the forces of
nature to lengthen the days and shorten the nights. Witches sometimes
celebrate Yule just before dawn, then watch the Sun rise as a fitting finale
to their efforts.

Since the God is also the Sun, this marks the point of the year when the
Sun is reborn as well. Thus, the Witches light fires or candles to welcome
the Sun's returning light. The Goddess, slumbering through the Winter of Her
labor, rests after Her delivery.

Yule is remnant of early rituals celebrated to hurry the end of Winter
and the bounty of Spring, when food was once again readily available. To
contemporary Witches it is a reminder that the ultimate product of death is
rebirth, a comforting thought in these days of unrest

Imbolc =

Imbolc (February 2) marks the recovery of the Goddess after giving birth
to the God. The lengthening periods of light awaken Her. The God is a young,
lusty boy, but His power is felt in the longer days. The warmth fertilizes
the Earth (the Goddess), and causes seeds to germinate and sprout. And so
the earliest beginnings of Spring occur.

This is a Sabbat of purification after the shut-in life of Winter,
through the renewing power of the Sun. It is also a festival of light and of
fertility, once marked in Europe with huge blazes, torches and fire in every
form. Fire here represents our own illumination and inspiration as much as
light and warmth.

Imbolc is also known as Feast of Torches, Oimelc, Lupercalia, Feast of
Pan, Snowdrop Festival, Feast of the Waxing Light, Brighid's Day, and
probably by many other names. Some female Witches follow the old
Scandinavian custom of wearing crowns of lit candles, but many more carry
tapers during their invocations.

This is one of the traditional times for initiations into covens, and so
self-dedication rituals, such as the one outlined in this Book of Shadows,
can be performed or renewed at this time.

Ostara =

Ostara (circa March 21), the Spring Equinox, also known as Spring, Rites
of Spring and Eostra's Day, marks the first day of true Spring. The energies
of Nature subtly shift from the sluggishness of Winter to the exuberant
expansion of Spring. The Goddess blankets the Earth with fertility, bursting
forth from Her sleep, as the God stretches and grows to maturity. He walks
the greening fields and delights in the abundance of nature. On Ostara the
hours of day and night are equal. Light is overtaking darkness; the Goddess
and God impel the wild creatures of the Earth to reproduce.

This is a time of beginnings, of action, of planting spells for future
gains, and of tending the ritual gardens.

Beltane =

Beltane (April 30) marks the emergence of the young God into manhood.
Stirred by the energies at work in Nature, He desires the Goddess. They fall
in love, lie among the grasses and blossoms, and unite. The Goddess becomes
pregnant of the God. Witches celebrate the symbol of Her fertility in
ritual.

Beltane (also known as May Day) has long been marked with feasts and
rituals. May poles, supremely phallic symbols, were the focal point of Old
English village rituals. Many persons rose at dawn to gather flowers and
green branches from the fields and gardens, using them to decorate the May
pole, their homes and themselves.

The flowers and greenery symbolize the Goddess; the May pole the God.
Beltane marks the return of vitality, of passion and hopes consummated.

Witches sometimes use May poles today during Beltane rituals, but the
cauldron is a more common focal point of ceremony. It represents, of course,
the Goddess -the essence of womanhood, the end of all desire, the equal but
opposite of the May pole, symbolic of the God.

Midsummer =

Midsummer, the Summer Solstice (circa June 21), also known as Litha,
arrives when the powers of Nature reach their highest point. The Earth is
awash in the fertility of the Goddess and God.

In the past, bonfires were leapt to encourage fertility, purification,
health and love. The fire once again represents the Sun, feted on this time
of the longest daylight hours.

Midsummer is a classic time for magick of all kinds.

Lughnasadh =

Lughnasadh (August 1) is the time of the first harvest, when the plants
of Spring wither and drop their fruits or seeds for our use as well as to
ensure future crops. Mystically, so too does the God lose His strength as
the Sun rises farther in the South each day and the nights grow longer? The
Goddess watches in sorrow and joy as She realizes that the God is dying, and
yet lives on inside Her as Her child.

Lughnasadh, also known as August Eve, Feast of Bread, Harvest Home and
Lammas, wasn't necessarily observed on this day. It originally coincided
with the first reaping.

As Summer passes, Witches remember its warmth and bounty in the food we
eat. Every meal is an act of attunement with Nature, and we are reminded
that nothing in the universe is constant.

Mabon =

Mabon (circa September 21), the Autumn Equinox, is the completion of the
harvest begun as Lughnasadh. Once again day and night are equal, poised as
the God prepares to leave His physical body and begin the great adventure
into the unseen, toward renewal and rebirth of the Goddess.

Nature declines, draws back its bounty, readying for Winter and its time
of rest. The Goddess nods in the weakening Sun, though fire burns within Her
womb. She feels the presence of the God even as He wanes.

Samhain =

At Samhain (October 31), the Craft say farewell to the God. This is a
temporary farewell. He isn't wrapped in eternal darkness, but readies to be
reborn of the Goddess at Yule.

Samhain, also known as November Eve, Feast of the Dead, Feast of Apples,
Hallows, All Hallows and Hallowe'en, once marked the time of sacrifice. In
some places this was the time when animals were slaughtered to ensure food
throughout the depths of Winter. The God - identified with the animals -
fell as well to ensure our continuing existence.

Samhain is a time of reflection, of looking back over the last year, of
coming to terms with the one phenomenon of life over which we have no
control - death.

The Craft feel that on this night the separation between the physical and
spiritual realities is thin. Witches remember their ancestors and all those
who have gone before.

After Samhain, Witches celebrate Yule, and so the Wheel of the
Year is complete.

Surely there are mysteries buried here. Why is the God the son and then
the lover of the Goddess? This isn't incest, this is symbolism. In this
agricultural story (one of many Craft myths) the Goddess and God represent
the ever-changing fertility of the Earth. This myth speaks of the mysteries
of birth, death and rebirth. It celebrates the wondrous aspects and
beautiful effects of love, and honors women who perpetuate our species. It
also points out the very real dependence that humans have on the Earth, the
Sun and the Moon and of the effects of the seasons on our daily lives.

To agricultural peoples, the major thrust of this myth cycle is the
production of food through the interplay between the Goddess and God. Food -
without which we would all die - is intimately connected with the deities.
Indeed, Witches see food as yet another manifestation of divine energy.

And so, by observing the Sabbats, Witches attune themselves to the Earth
and to the deities. They reaffirm their Earth roots. Performing rituals on
the nights of the Full Moon also strengthens their connections with the
Goddess in particular.

It is the wise Witch who celebrates on the Sabbats and Esbats, for these
are times of real as well as symbolic power. Honoring them in some fashion
is an integral part of Witchcraft.

Christ developed nine touchstones that can offer us guidance in our attempt
to live this vision. These touchstones are ethical guideposts, not
principles or commandments. They are touchstones because each one can guide
us, but not tell us what to do in any situation. Think of it as a "framework
for ethical decision making but not a blueprint for action."

1) Nurture life
"To honor, respect and support mothers and children. To recognize all people
and all beings as connected in the web of life. To embody the intelligent
love that is the ground of all being."

2) Walk in love and beauty
"To appreciate the infinite diversity of all beings in the natural world,
including ourselves and other human beings, and to sense that everything
wants to be loved."

3) Trust the knowledge that comes through the body
"Take seriously that our bodies are ourselves and that sensation and feeling
are the guardians of life. To experience the joy and pain that come to us
through the body. To allow the power of the erotic to lead us to question
the denial of pleasure and satisfaction that is inherent in the ethos of
domination. To ground ourselves in the earth and to acknowledge our
interdependence in the web of life. Trusting body experience also means
never giving ourselves over to any authority - no wise man, no guru, no
spiritual teacher, no spiritual tradition, no politician, no wise woman, no
one."

4) Speak the truth about conflict, pain, and suffering.
"Not idealizing life. Not denying the realities of our personal and social
lives. For many of us, childhood and other traumas have been intensified
because conflict was denied and we were not allowed to feel our pain. Denial
is also a social phenomenon. Denial is only possible when we sever our minds
from our bodies."

5) Take only what you need.
"Comes from the Native Americans. Acknowledges that conflict - taking the
lives of other beings - is inherent in human life and thus encourages
restraint."

6) Think about the consequences of your actions for seven generations.
"Affirms interconnection and asks us to consider not only our own needs, but
those of al our relations for seven generations as we take and give back to
the circle of life. We are not asked to hold ourselves to impossible models
of perfection, but to consider the consequences of our actions on a scale we
can comprehend."

7) Approach the taking of life with great restraint.
"Taking only what we need. Those of us who live in industrialized countries
take so much more than we really need without thinking of the lives that are
lost. And because as individuals, communities, and societies we so readily
resort to violence and warfare to resolve personal, ethnic, and national
conflicts."

8) Practice great generosity.
"If we are to gain the power to act, we must acknowledge that no one of us
can take on all the burdens of the world. As we recognize our strengths and
forgive our limitations, we can begin to approach others with a generous
spirit. (Dhyani) Ywahoo asks us to always "speak the best of one another and
perceive the best in everything." She adds that "it is a strenuous
discipline in these times to practice this." We must speak the truth about
the harm dominator societies are doing to ourselves, other people, and the
web of life. Yet is requires great discipline to understand the harm that
white people have done to Native Americans and other people of color without
concluding that all white people are mean and that white culture has nothing
of value in it. Though great harm has been done, very few people or groups
have nothing to commend them. When we polarize situations, we make it
difficult for our "adversaries" to change, and we begin to perceive
ourselves unrealistically as "all good.""

9) Repair the web.
"We are living in a world where the bonds of relationship and community are
broken by violence . It calls us to transform our personal relationships,
our social and cultural institutions, and our relation to the natural
world."

Witches do not do evil. They believe that doing evil and harm is against all
ethical and moral laws. Further, Witchcraft tells us "An ye harm none (not
even yourself), do what ye will"

Witches do not worship Satan. They do not have a Satan/Devil or any all-evil
deity in their religious structure. Witchcraft is a religion that
underscores polarity and views the God and the Goddess as equal entities.

A Male Witch is not a Warlock. The word Warlock is a Scottish word meaning
"oath breaker", and became a term designating a male Witch during the
"burning times".

Witches wear clothing of every color and every style. Many Witches do choose
to wear black clothing or ritual robes. The color black is the culmination
of all vibrational rates of light on the material plane. Black absorbs light
information and helps Witches be more receptive to psychic impressions and
energies.

Witches come from every socio-economic and ethnic background. Many Witches
are professional people holding positions of responsibility such as Doctors,
Nurses, Police Officers, Teachers etc. Witchcraft does not discriminate
against color or ethnic origin and does view everything as equal in the eyes
of the Goddess and the God.

Witches do use spells. A spell is a thought, a projection, or a prayer.
Other religions use prayer, meditation, projection and ritual to produce an
intended result. The word "spell" does not imply doing evil or harm.

Witches do use magic wands. Often you see the use of magic wands in
children's cartoons and movies making the idea seem frivolous. In actuality
they are used in healing for directing energy.

Witches do use Witchcraft as a science, an art and a religion. They use
their knowledge and magic in harmony with the Universe and Nature around
them.

The word "Witch" has a deep and rich history. As defined by the English
Oxford dictionary "Witchcraft" is a Celtic pronounced Kell-tick) word
meaning the wise, good people. "Wicce" wick-kay) designates a female Witch
whereas "Wicca" (wick-kah) designates a male Witch.

In the religion of Witchcraft we view the pentacle as an amulet and a symbol
for protection. The five-pointed star represents the human body and the
earth. In combination, the star surrounded by the circle represents the
human body encompassed by the protection of the Goddess/God force. The
pentacle is the symbol for Universal Wisdom.

Witches do concern themselves with ecology. They have never forgotten this
basic fact: the world is not our enemy. Neither is it inert, dumb matter.
The earth and all living things share the same life-force. They are composed
of patterns of intelligence, of knowledge, and of divinity. all life is a
web. We are woven into it as sisters and brothers of All. Witches need to be
grounded in both worlds and awake to their responsibilities for both worlds.
It is only by being responsible human beings that we can be responsible
Witches and only responsible Witches will survive.*

Wands - Usually predict energy, growth, enterprise, animation,
and glory. Ace of wands
Upright: A creative beginning, a new business venture, a profitable journey,
an inheritance, a new career, a birth in the family
Reversed: Selfishness may spoil the venture, setbacks for a new enterprise,
a journey may be put off, a lack of determinationTwo of Wands
Upright: A kind and generous person, an interest in science, patience,
creative ability, courage, good things to come
Reversed: Caution is advised against impatience, a possible domination by
othersThree of Wands
Upright: A cooperation in business affairs, trade and commerce, success
brought by a good partnership, practical help may come from a successful
person
Reversed: A tendency to scatter energies, mistakes are made through
carelessness, disappointment, caution against pride and arroganceFour of Wands
Upright: The beauty of the harvest home, perfected work, prosperity, peace,
celebration after labor, end of romance in marriage, happy holidays to come
Reversed: Learning to appreciate the little things in life, beauty of
nature, peace, harmony
Five of Wands
Upright: Competition, possibility of a lawsuit or quarrel, obstacles,
courage
Reversed: Harmony, new opportunities, generositySix of Wands
Upright: Good news, victory, success after labor, helpful friends,
leadership during journey
Reversed: Rewards are delayed, postponed trip, bad news, an insolent winner,
pride in riches/successSeven of Wands
Upright: The ability to "hold one's own" against adversaries, stiff
competition in business, a fight won, a fight one may have to face soon,
victory, energy, courage
Reversed: The threat will pass by, don't let others take advantage, caution
against indecision, patienceEight of Wands
Upright: A Goal is approaching, new ideas, a journey by air, love will find
its mark, love of open air, gardens, meadows
Reversed: Jealousy, violence, quarrels, domestic disputes, a force of
courage or boldness is applied to suddenlyNine of Wands
Upright: Preparedness, eventual victory, good health, strength in reserve,
tendency to obstinacy
Reversed: Unpreparedness, refusal to fight, weakness in character, ill
health, bending over adversityTen of Wands
Upright: An oppressive load, pain, all plans or projects ruined, complete
failure
Reversed: Strength, energy, a desire to ruin the happiness of others, a
clever personPage of Wands
Upright: Brilliance, courage, beauty, sudden anger or love, great
enthusiasm, a messenger
Reversed: Superficial, theatrical, unstable, a broken heart, bad news to
comeKnight of Wands
Upright: An impetuous nature, generous friend, a lover, haste, a journey,
the coming or going of a matter is of much concern
Reversed: Discord, work interrupted, jealousy, narrow-mindedness, suspicion,
the journey is delayedQueen of Wands
Upright: A woman, fondness of nature or of the home, attraction, command,
someone who is well liked or honorable
Reversed: Strict, domineering, a jealous and revengeful nature, deceit,
infidelityKing of Wands
Upright: A gentlemen, father, passionate, generous, noble, a good leader
Reversed: Severe, unyielding, strict, intolerance, prejudice, quarrelsCups : Usually predict love, happiness, fertility, and beauty.
Ace of Cups
Upright: The beginning of love, joy, beauty, or good health
Reverse: Hesitancy to accept the things that come from the heart, love under
a selfish grasp, egotismTwo of Cups
Upright: A new romance, a well balanced friendship is beginning, harmony,
cooperation
Reverse: A loss of balance in a relationship, a violent passion, love
turning bad, a misunderstandingThree of Cups
Upright: A good fortune in love, a happy conclusion, unknown talents are
discovered, a sensitive and sympathetic person, hospitality
Reverse: Pain, gossip, unknown talents remain hidden, overindulgenceFour of Cups
Upright: Reevaluation, a dissatisfaction with success, kindness may come
from others
Reverse: New relationships possible, new goals, new ambitions, actionFive of Cups
Upright: Sorrow, loss of a loved one, a broken marriage, disillusionment,
vain regret
Reversed: Return of hope, new relationships are beginning, return of a loved
one, courage is summoned from withinSix of Cups
Upright: A gift from a childhood acquaintance, happiness and pleasure
brought from the past, good memories, a new friendship, a gift from an
admirer, new opportunities
Reverse: Living in the past, outworn friendships, disappointmentSeven of Cups
Upright: A long-worked imagination, unable to choose one's direction in
life, illusory success
Reverse: A good use of determination, will-power, a definite path will be
chosenEight of Cups
Upright: An abandonment of one's current path in life, disappointment in
love, misery and repining without cause, desire to leave one's success for
something higher
Reverse: Search for pleasure, seeking joy or success, a new love interestNine of Cups
Upright: An assured future, physical well-being, a wish may come true
Reverse: A lack in money, overindulgence, illness, a wish may not come trueTen of Cups
Upright: A happy family life, true friendships, lasting happiness
Reverse: A family quarrel, loss of a friendship, children may turn against
their parents, wastePage of Cups
Upright: Gentleness, sweetness, kindness, an interest in poetry or art, news
Reverse: Selfishness, little desire to create, a poor imagination
Knight of Cups
Upright: Intelligence, romantic dreamer, the coming or going of an emotional
matter
Reverse: Trickery, fraud, sensuality, idleness, an untruthful personQueen of Cups
Upright: Imagination out-ways one's common sense, a good wife or loving
mother, happiness, gentle, a good natured person
Reverse: An over-active imagination, perverse, pleasure and happiness may
turn bitterKing of Cups
Upright: A business man, a man of law, kindness, a considerate person, a
willingness to take on responsibility, and enjoyment of the arts or sciences
Reverse: A powerful man but a double-dealer, crafty, violent, scandal
Swords : Usually predict aggression, force, ambition, courage, strife,
misfortune Ace of Swords
Upright: Beginning of a victory, ability to love and hate with ardor, a
valiant leader may be born
Reverse: Caution when trying to use power to gain an ending, obstacles,
tyrannyTwo of Swords
Upright: Well balanced emotions are needed, indecision, trouble ahead, in
need of direction
Reverse: Release, beware when dealing with the unscrupulousThree of Swords
Upright: Affections may experience "stormy weather", lovers separated,
possible civil war
Reverse: Disorder, confusion, loss, sorrow due to lossFour of Swords
Upright: Rest after strife, retreat, temporary exile, a change back to the
"active life"
Reverse: Renewed activity, social unrest, labor strikesFive of Swords
Upright: Failure, defeat, cowardliness, cruelty, an empty victory
Reverse: A lesser chance of loss or defeat, an empty victory, unfairness in
dealingsSix of Swords
Upright: A journey, passage away from sorrow, harmony will prevail
Reverse: Journey will be postponed, no way out of present obstacles or
difficultiesSeven of Swords
Upright: An unwise attempt, unreliability, betrayal, insolence, spying,
possible failure
Reverse: Excessive help is given, good advice, counsel, stolen items are
returnedEight of Swords
Upright: Restricted action, indecision, censure, temporary illness,
weakness, a prisoner
Reverse: Relaxation, new beginnings possible, freedomNine of Swords
Upright: Suffering, doubt, desolation, illness, injury, death of a loved
one, suspicion, cruelty, misery, loss, dishonesty, pitilessness, slander
Reverse: Healing over time, unselfishness, patience, good news of a loved
oneTen of Swords
Upright: Sudden misfortune, ruin of plans, defeat, failure, pain and tears
Reverse: Evil forces are overthrown, courage, some success, better healthPage of Swords
Upright: Dexterity, grace, diplomacy, understanding, an upsetting message
Reverse: A cunning person, an imposture, ill health, unexpected eventsKnight of Swords
Upright: A headlong rush into life, a strong man, bravery, a skillful and
clever person, an unexpected coming or going of a matter
Reverse: Tyranny, a troublemaker, a crafty and secretive personQueen of Swords
Upright: A quick and confident decision, a widow, one who can bear their
sorrow
Reverse: Cruelty due to keen observations, a sly and deceitful person,
narrow-mindedness, a gossipKing of Swords
Upright: A judge, a powerful commander, a firm friendship holder but often
overcautious, a wise counselor
Reverse: Evil intentions, an obstinate person, decisions or judgments may
seem unfairPentacles : Usually predict money, industry, and material gain
Ace of Pentacles
Upright: A new business venture, the beginning of prosperity, beginning of
happiness or pleasure
Reverse: Possible greed or misery, money may not be everythingTwo of Pentacles
Upright: The ability to handle multiple situations, harmony is maintained
during change, new projects may be difficult, expect a helpful message
Reverse: Difficulty with handling problems, expect a discouraging messageThree of Pentacles
Upright: Reward for skills or abilities, approval, success through effort
Reverse: Quality in workmanship is neglected, good work is expended due to a
preoccupation with money, common place ideals or ambitionsFour of Pentacles
Upright: Love of power or money, a lack of give-and-take, miserly or
ungenerous nature
Reverse: Some earthly possessions may be lost, obstacles or delays in
business affairs, a spendthrift.Five of Pentacles
Upright: Loneliness, destitution, loss of possessions, poor health, despair
due to spiritual impoverishment
Reverse: New employment, revived courage, a new interestSix of Pentacles
Upright: Sharing of prosperity, one will soon receive what is rightfully
theirs, charity, gifts, philanthropy, three-fold
Reverse: Bribes, unfairness, prosperity is threatened, jealousy, miserlinessSeven of Pentacles
Upright: Effort and hard work will cause growth, a pause during development,
reevaluations
Reverse: Little progress, impatience, anxiety, investments may be
unprofitableEight of Pentacles
Upright: Learning a trade or profession, employment is coming soon, skill,
handiwork, small money gain
Reverse: Skills are not being used properly, a dislike of hard work,
ambition is voidNine of Pentacles
Upright: Well-being, things in life are enjoyed alone, solitude, a green
thumb
Reverse: Loss is possible, danger from thieves, cautionTen of Pentacles
Upright: Stable family, gain in wealth, property is acquired
Reverse: Family misfortune, caution, mind is dull, slothfulnessPage of Pentacles
Upright: Scholar, generosity, kindness, a careful person, learning new
ideas/opinions
Reverse: Wastefulness, luxury, rebellious, opposing ideas/opinions, bad newsKnight of Pentacles
Upright: Trustworthy, a heavy and dull outlook, patience, accepting of
responsibilities, an animal lover, a nature lover, the coming/going of a
matter
Reverse: Irresponsible, impatience, timidness, carelessness, a standstill in
affairsQueen of Pentacles
Upright: Intelligence, thoughtfulness, a creative person, talents are used
well, melancholy
Reverse: Too much dependence, neglected duties, mistrust, suspicion, not a
very creative personKing of Pentacles
Upright: A chief of industry or a banker, a reliable person, a married man,
solid, steadiness
Reverse: Materialistic, slow to anger, 'head is on the ground", bribes
www.witchvox.com

BLACK: The unknown, the center of the earth
or situation, black shadow (anima), the dark side of the soul, new
psychological territory, Darkness, formality and convention. Since black is
the absence of light it can symbolize ignorance and restrictions

This is the easiest means of divining for an answer; you have only to
look at a single card. Shuffle the cards while thinking of your question,
then intuitively pick out one card and turn it over.

THREE CARDS

Start by thinking of your question while you shuffle the deck, then with
your left hand, cut the deck into three piles moving in a leftward
direction.

Still using your left hand, pick up the pile on your right and place it
on the center pile. Pick up this combined pile, and place it on the last.
Turn over the first card and place it to the far left. This card represents
the past or the basis of the matter. It explains the events, circumstances
or conditions that have led up to where you are now.

Turn over the next card and place it to the right of the first. This card
represents the present. It reveals a new direction or condition that is
coming into your being.

Repeat this step again with the third card. This card represents your
future and shows the end result or the outcome of the second card.

With your left hand, cut the deck into three piles moving in a leftward
direction.

Still using your left hand, pick up the pile on your right and place it
on the center pile.

Pick up this combined pile, and place it on the last.

With your left hand, lay ten cards face up in the positions shown in the
diagram.

Each position has a particular significance as explained below.

CARD PLACEMENT

1. This is what covers you. It represents the general atmosphere and the
client's main concern.

2. This is what crosses you for the good or ill. A card is placed
sideways over #1.

3. This represents opposing forces. If it is a good card, it will help
the present situation.

4. This is what is beneath you. This card represents what brought the
situation about, the foundation.

5. This is what's behind you. This represents what has just happened, or
the influences that are passing away.

6. This is what crowns you. The current situation and influences.

7. This is what is before you. This card represents what will happen in
the very near future if the querent continues on their current path.

8. What the querent fears. Negative feelings about the question asked.
The thoughts of those around you. Depicts the opinions and influences of
friends and family about the matter in question.

9. The querent's hopes. Reveals the client's own hopes and ideals on the
matter involved.

10. OUTCOME: This card tells what the overall final outcome will be if
the querent continues on their current path. Please consider the influence
of all previous cards, particularly the 6th (what is before you) card, which
is a more short term representation of the final outcome

Teachers and Magical Ethics by Wren
Walker
(taken from
http://www.witchvox.com/xbasics.html)

Many people are investigating the religions of Witchcraft, Wicca and
other Neo-Pagan Paths today. There are many books and reference materials
available, yet after some self study, there are some folks who would like to
meet and perhaps work with a physical teacher. This can be a rewarding
learning experience - or it could turn out to be your worst nightmare.

There you are. You have a class/workshop/teaching group. The students are
seated and waiting for you to begin. As a responsible Teacher, you have some
sort of class outline that you will follow. Hopefully, you plan to touch on
the subject of ethical standards in the Craft. Here are some thoughts on
how- and why- to incorporate the topic into your teaching materials.

Well...where did YOU come from?

Every student has had some experience with ethical considerations before
he/she shows up in your class or workshop. Take a moment to reflect on your
own upbringing. How did your childhood help to form what has become YOUR
personal code of ethics?

"What the child sees is what the child does."- Old Irish Saying

Did Mom and Dad crow at the dinner table over some "deal" they put over
on someone else? Did they welcome new neighbors with a plate of cookies? Did
your folks tell someone that they just LOVED that gift...and then threw it
away after the giver had left? Did they allow you to choose your own
friends? Did your parents break promises that they had made with you? Did
they choose to go without something so that you could have that spiffy new
pair of sneakers? Did you see them struggle with an ethical decision? How
did these or other incidents at home make you feel? Did you agree with the
ethical choices that your parents made then? How do you feel about their
decisions and actions now?

And remember High School? What about that unwritten law that everyone
knew about? No matter what another student did, you just never ever "ratted
them out"...This is typical adolescent "group think", but as most of us
mature, ethical choices become more complex and less "black and white."
(Unfortunately, some people never grow out of the adolescent stage!)

Think about your personal ethical values. While you probably don't really
want to "preach" to your students, you DO want them to reflect about the
decisions that they may face as practitioners representing the Craft.

So...There they sit. Students at many different stages of ethical
thinking.-and you, the Teacher-are about to teach them Magick! ("Calm blue
ocean," think "calm blue ocean"...)

Finding The Meaning Behind The Words:

Well, don't I wish that I had the definitive word on this one! The
truth is that each and every person must find the answers to ethical
questions within themselves. Nevertheless, we all will come to a point
somewhere in our lives- and most certainly in our magickal
practice-where we must make a decision on a course of action. We will
face what is called an "ethical dilemma". How will we handle this? What
should we, as Witches, Wiccans and Pagans, take into consideration?

As a Teacher, you will probably begin with a general discourse on the
Wiccan Rede, Hermetic Laws or a similar code of ethics. This will be
something that is either relevant to you personally or reflective of the
code of behavior that is inherent in your group, Tradition or coven.

"Love and Courage are the wings of the spirit by which it rises to
noble actions."
-Goethe.

There is nothing weak or submissive, nothing dishonorable in showing
decency and respect to others. On the contrary, the welfare of our
society relies on it. The future of the Pagan community depends on it.
What each individual decides to act upon at any given moment has
ramifications that will extend far beyond him/herself. What IS our
obligation to another?

In Christianity, the hard question is "Who IS my neighbor?" The
question is "hard" because the injunction given is "To love your
neighbor as yourself". How well Christians have answered this question,
we will leave for them to address. We have our own problems...

In Wicca, the tough one is, "An it harm none, do as you will." Who
are the "none" that we should not harm? Our coven mates? Our Pagan
brothers and sisters from all Traditions and Paths? The whole world? Do
WE have "neighbors" to think about? Are you sorry that I brought this
whole thing up yet?

Perhaps the first place to look in determining what is right or wrong
is society. Almost every society makes some determination of morally
correct or ethical behavior. In some countries, a determination of what
is right or moral is tied to religious strictures. In societies that are
more secular, the influence of religious beliefs may be less obvious,
but still a key factor. "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness"
represent some American values.

Individual relationships, families and communities-any time that you
are involved with other people- all necessitate a foundation of trust
and security. A similar code of ethical behavior toward one another
helps to establish a bond of trust-you can depend on certain boundaries-
and a sense of security-there is a level of safety within the community
that enables you to go about your business relatively free from
interference.

How Does One Make An Ethical Choice?

It is never easy, nor should it be. What we do ultimately reflects on
who we are. We owe it to ourselves-and those around us- to think long
and hard on these "tough" choices. That person in the mirror is always
YOU.

"The heights by great men reached and kept
Were not attained by sudden flight,
But they while their companions slept
Were toiling upward in the night."
--Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Look at the situation--Gather as much information as possible and do
not jump to conclusions. Never base your decision on what someone else
has told you. Find out for yourself. In an "emergency", you may have to
just "go with what you have". But make sure the source is a reliable
one. ( Sometimes if someone is trying to "hurry" you into a decision, it
is because they do NOT want you to get all the information. They want
you on their side...now...just like high school...)TEACHERS: Ask your students if another person has ever "rushed"
them into making a decision only to find out later that the situation
was "Not As Described". How did they feel about the choices that they
made? While in school, did they ever know about an incident but 'didn't
tell"? Would they make a different decision today?

"Good maxims are the germs of all truth. When firmly fixed in the
memory, they mold the will."
-Foubert.

Think about alternatives.--Run different scenarios through your mind.
What may happen if I do this? What about.....?? What outcome are you
looking for? What are the ways to approach this decision that may best
achieve this result? Who ELSE is involved? Will they support this
decision? Will this help-or hinder- finding a solution to the problem?TEACHERS: Give your students a magickal "ethical" dilemma (spellwork
or interpersonal conflicts immediately come to mind!) and see if they
can come up with at least five alternatives. Discuss them in class. Is
there a "best" choice"?

"Tell me whom you admire and I will tell you what you are, at least
as regards to your talents, tastes and character."
-Sainte-Beuve.

What are the guidelines?--What principles do you hold dear? What
about self-respect? Would this decision affect another's free will?
Would they have consented to this decision? Would they be harmed? What
do I owe in terms of respect to another human being? Would I be
preventing harm? Is this the best choice for all concerned? Is it fair?
What if the situation was reversed? Would I be happy with the results of
the decision if this was ME that was on the other end of things? What
has happened in the past that may affect the decision making process?TEACHERS: Have students answer the above questions. Then ask them
what they think a person such as Ghandi, Lincoln or King would have done
in this situation? (Now ,I'm not saying any of these folks actually was
a Witch...but then again, that Lincoln guy....) What about a God or
Goddess? What do Their myths say about something similar to this? Did
this exercise change the students' original decision?

"Every action is measured by the depth of the sentiment from which it
proceeds." -- Spiritual Laws, Ralph Waldo Emerson

Test your limits.-- If the situation changed, would my decision still
be valid? Am I setting a good example? (Teachers, are you?) Those great
men cited above held to their ethical standards and paid the price for
it. Am I sure enough of my own ethical decisions that I would be willing
to do the same? Will this decision change how I feel about myself? If
everyone acted this way, would the world be better or worse? Does it
just seem like the right thing to do? Don't discount that inner voice!
(Check your solar plexus..."Am I just hungry or is my body trying to
tell me something"?)TEACHERS: Ask your students" "What IF everyone acted this way?"
What kind of future would such actions bring into being? Is that future
the one that we really want?

"If we are ever in doubt what to do, it is a good rule to ask
ourselves what we shall wish on the morrow that we had done."
-Sir John Lubbock.

O.K.--Make your choice. You will have to live with it. You will
certainly learn from it. This means accepting responsibility for your
choice. It also means accepting the possibility that you might be wrong
or that you will make a less than "ideal" decision. The object is to
make as good a choice as possible with the information available.TEACHERS: Do your students feel a little better equipped to
handle ethical decisions now? Have they perhaps been able to "walk a
mile in another's shoes"? Have they discovered that rational thought on
issues tends to diffuse conflicting desires and make some choices
easier?

You can't make someone else's choices. No one can make yours for
you.--'Nuff said? Teachers can guide students in techniques, but
ultimately your ethical decisions-like your Magick-comes from within.
Who you are- and who you will become- is something that only you
determine. It really is YOUR choice...

"The greatest thing a human mind does in this world is to 'see". Hundreds
of people can talk for one that can think, but thousands can think for one
who can see. To see clearly is poetry, prophecy and religion-all in one."
-Ruskin.

Events in the last several decades have clearly indicated just how
dangerous some religious and secular groups (usually called "cults" by those
opposed to them) can be to their own members as well as to anyone else whom
they can influence. "Brainwashing," beatings, child abuse, rapes, murders,
mass suicides, military drilling and gunrunning, meddling in civil
governments, international terrorism, and other crimes have been charged
against leaders and members of many groups, and in far too many cases those
accusations have been correct. None of this has been very surprising to
historians of religion or to other scholars of what are usually labeled "new"
religions (no matter how old they may be in their cultures of origin).
Minority groups, especially religious ones, are often accused of crimes by
members of the current majority. In many ways, for example, the "Mormons"
were the "Moonies" of the 19th century - at least in terms of being an
unusual minority belief system that many found "shocking" at the time - and
the members of the Unification Church could be just as "respectable" a
hundred years from now as the Latter Day Saints are today.

Nonetheless, despite all the historical and philosophical warnings that
could be issued, ordinary people faced with friends or loved ones joining an
"unusual" group, or perhaps contemplating joining one themselves, need a
relatively simple way to evaluate just how dangerous or harmless a given
group is liable to be, without either subjecting themselves to its power or
judging it solely on theological or ideological grounds (the usual method
used by anti-cult groups).

In 1979 I constructed an evaluation tool which I now call the "Advanced
Bonewits' Cult Danger Evaluation Frame" or the "ABCDEF" (because evaluating
these groups should be elementary). A copy was included in that year's
revised edition of my book, Real Magic. I realize its shortcomings, but feel
that it can be effectively used to separate harmless groups from the merely
unusual-to-the-observer ones. Feedback from those attempting to use the
system has always been appreciated. Indirect feedback, in terms of the
number of places on and off the Net this ABCDEF has shown up, has been
mostly favorable. For example, it was chosen by and is now displayed on the
website of the Institute for Social Inventions, who paraphrased it for their
"Best Ideas - A compendium of social innovations" listing.

The purpose of this evaluation tool is to help both amateur and
professional observers, including current or would-be members, of various
organizations (including religious, occult, psychological or political
groups) to determine just how dangerous a given group is liable to be, in
comparison with other groups, to the physical and mental health of its
members and of other people subject to its influence. It cannot speak to the
"spiritual dangers," if any, that might be involved, for the simple reason
that one person's path to enlightenment or "salvation" is often viewed by
another as a path to ignorance or "damnation."

As a general rule, the higher the numerical total scored by a given group
(the further to the right of the scale), the more dangerous it is likely to
be. Though it is obvious that many of the scales in the frame are
subjective, it is still possible to make practical judgments using it, at
least of the "is this group more dangerous than that one?" sort. This is if
all numerical assignments are based on accurate and unbiased observation of
actual behavior by the groups and their top levels of leadership (as
distinct from official pronouncements). This means that you need to pay
attention to what the secondary and tertiary leaders are saying and doing,
as much (or more so) than the central leadership - after all, "plausible
deniability" is not a recent historical invention.

This tool can be used by parents, reporters, law enforcement agents,
social scientists and others interested in evaluating the actual dangers
presented by a given group or movement. Obviously, different observers will
achieve differing degrees of precision, depending upon the sophistication of
their numerical assignments on each scale. However, if the same observers
use the same methods of scoring and weighting each scale, their comparisons
of relative danger or harmlessness between groups will be reasonably valid,
at least for their own purposes. People who cannot, on the other hand, view
competing belief systems as ever having possible spiritual value to anyone,
will find the ABCDEF annoyingly useless for promoting their theological
agendas. Worse, these members of the Religious Reich and their fellow
theocrats will find that their own organizations (and quite a few large
mainstream churches) are far more "cult-like" than many of the minority
belief systems they so bitterly oppose.

It should be pointed out that the ABCDEF is founded upon both modern
psychological theories about mental health and personal growth, and my many
years of participant observation and historical research into minority
belief systems. Those who believe that relativism and anarchy are as
dangerous to mental health as absolutism and authoritarianism, could (I
suppose) count groups with total scores nearing either extreme (high or low)
as being equally hazardous. As far as dangers to physical well-being are
concerned, however, both historical records and current events clearly
indicate the direction in which the greatest threats lie. This is especially
so since the low-scoring groups usually seem to have survival and growth
rates so small that they seldom develop the abilities to commit large scale
atrocities even had they the philosophical or political inclinations to do
so.

The I ching does not give you specific answers to your questions but rather
reveals patterns which helps you arrive at the answer you seek. Answers are
given in 64 hexagrams of solid lines (yang) and broken lines (yin). These
represent a state of being. The most common method used to determine
hexagrams is to toss three coins three times. The traditional method is to
toss a set of 50 yarrow sticks. The I ching dates back to around 2852 B.C.
The Chinese emperor Fu-hsi developed a set of trigrams. Later on around 1143
B.C. the trigrams were doubled to hexagrams. The I ching found its way to
western culture in the 19th century

TASSEOMANCY

The art of reading tea leaves is referred to as Tasseomancy. This form of
divination is strongly associated with the Gypsies and the English. The
history of Tasseomancy can be traced back hundreds of years. During a
reading the client drinks a cup of tea but leaves a small amount in the
bottom of the cup. The cup is turned upside down on a saucer and turned. The
reader picks up the cup and reads the patterns formed by the tea leaves.
Usually the best tea readers also have natural artistic skills. Various
symbols have certain meanings. Time frames are estimated by the proximity of
the leaves to the rim. Leaves closest to the rim represent the immediate
future. Coffee grounds are also used by some readers. This form of
divination is thought to have come from Italy. Diviners who read coffee
grounds often recite incantations.

DOWSING

Dowsing has been used for centuries as a method for finding water,
treasures, gold, metals, people, animals and to tell the past and the
future. In fact dowsing has been used for nearly 7,000 years and probably
even longer. It was used by both the ancient Egyptians and Chinese. In the
middle ages it was used in Europe to find coal deposits and water. In the
20th century dowsing has been used in
archeological and geological work, and by utility companies in locating
damaged pipes and cables. The traditional tool of the dowser is a forked rod
made of wood. Certain wood such as Hazel, Willow, Ash and Rowan are the
best. Many dowsers prefer to work with a pendulum on a string. The dowser
attunes themself to what is being sought usually through visualization. The
dowser holds the forked end of the rod making sure palms are turned upwards.
The dowser walks until the rod trembles and dips down marking the spot. In
the case of dowsing with a pendulum the dowser hangs the pendulum over a
map.

AURA INFORMATION

The aura is made up of seven main aura's which extend up to four feet from
the body. These aura's all occupy the same space at the same time, each aura
extending out further than the previous aura.
All aura's are interconnected and reliant on the others for normal function.
The seven main aura's of the aura are ETHERIC AURA : EMOTIONAL AURA : MENTAL
AURA : ASTRAL AURA : ETHERIC TEMPLATE AURA : CELESTIAL AURA : KETHERIC
TEMPLATE AURA

AQUA : healer
BLACK : I often see this in the auras of abused children, divorcees, drug
addicts and torture victims.
PALE BLUE : the color of sensitivity.
SKY BLUE : strong natural instincts
COBALT BLUE : intuition coming from the higher dimensions of the aura
PRUSSIAN BLUE : represents harmony
ROYAL BLUE : I have found this in people who have found their chosen path in
life
DELFT BLUE : strong ethics Single Women And Men
ULTRAMARINE : seen in the aura of sailors, surfers and

people who are around the sea
NAVY BLUE : people with this color tend to move slow, but safe and sure
INDIGO: strong psychic ability
AMBER: personal strength and courage
CARAMEL: I find this color in people who are going through positive career
changes
COPPER: I only see this color around people in the mining industry
RAW SIENNA : indicates poor thinking process
FAWN : period of problems is coming to an end
DOE-SKIN : found in people who are very orderly
MUSHROOM : a slowing of destiny Single Women And Men
CHOCOLATE BROWN : the color of environmentalist and farmers
RUSSET-BROWN : a hard working person
TERRACOTTA : people who challenge convention
DARK BROWN : indicates a person with common sense
GOLD : a higher level of consciousness
PALE GREEN : spiritual advancement
LEMON GREEN : I have found this in people who are liars and cheats
APPLE GREEN : healers Single Women And Men
IRIDESCENT GREEN : I find this color in very friendly people
EMERALD GREEN : a problem is being put to rest
JADE : a charitable nature
VIRIDIAN : emotional and mental stress
OLIVE GREEN : scrooge
DARK GREEN : mental stress
TURQUOISE : I often find this in people who fought their way out of poverty
to become a success in life
GREY : people who feel trapped in life
SILVER GREY : I often see this in people involved in yoga
CHARCOAL GREY : depression
APRICOT : caring communication
ORANGE : strong motivation
PUMPKIN : self control
PALE PINK : true love
PINK MADDER : loyalty and commitment
SALMON PINK : people who work in a career they love
IRIDESCENT PINK : sexual desire
DUSTY PINK : foolish people
LAVENDER : I have often seen this in people who have had a near death
experience
LILAC : spiritual balance
MAGENTA : often found in entrepreneurs
MAUVE : humble people Single Women And Men
IMPERIAL PURPLE : heightened dream activity
GRAPE : laziness
VIOLET : once again humble people
CARMINE : people who are seeking change
VERMILLION : indicates creativity
RUSTIC RED : short tempered
SCARLET RED : found in people with a big ego
CRIMSON : natural creative skills
MAROON : self empowerment
CLARET : self determination
SILVER : this is the link between the spiritual realm
ZINC : often seen around sexual organs when aroused
CREAM : heading in the right direction
PEARL : I often see this around authentic mediums
PALE YELLOW : shyness Single Women And Men
PRIMROSE : optimism
LEMON YELLOW : strength of direction
BUTTERCUP YELLOW : focused on a course of action
GOLDEN YELLOW : inspiration
MUSTARD : I have seen this in people who are manipulative
STRAW YELLOW : day dreamers
CHARCOAL GREY, MUDDY BROWN AND PALE PINK TOGETHER: terminal illness

MIRROR SCRYING

Mirror scrying is an evolved form of water scrying. When it became possible
to build mirrors they were regarded as being like water that was fixed into
one place. The early mirrors were made of polished copper, brass, marcasite,
tin foil or mercury behind glass, polished silver and obsidian. All types of
mirrors may be used for scrying and the size is not important. Because
mirrors are linked to the moon mirrors should be backed with silver. Try and
use a round or oval mirror instead of a square mirror. For the frame try and
use a mirror that has a silver frame. Old mirrors also seem to work better
than new mirrors. Most seers prefer to use a black mirror. Because this is
difficult to buy you may have to make one. Just simply take out the glass
and paint it black. You may have to give it a few coats of paint though.
When you put it back in the frame make sure the glass part is to the front.
The use of black mirrors may be traced back over the centuries. John Dee
used a black mirror of obsidian.
When using the black mirror for scrying you do not want to see your
reflection. The best is to leave the mirror on a table and look at it from
an angle. Look into the depths of the mirror as though you were looking into
a bowl of water. At first it may appear grey than colors will come and go.
With time and practice you will be able to see scried images like still
photographs or moving film images. Spirits may sometimes look at the scryer,
talk to the scryer or even touch the scryer. The visions may even exist
outside the mirror and surround the scryer on all sides.

PSYCHOMETRY

Psychometry is the ability to read the history of certain objects by holding
the object in your hand or placing it to your forehead. Usually small
personal objects such as a watch, ring, key or other personal objects are
the best. People with the ability to scry this way are called Psychometrist.
The term psychometry was invented in 1842 by J R Buchanan. Buchanan
experimented with some students from Cincinnati medical school and found
that when certain students where given an unmarked bottle of medicine they
had the same reaction as if they had taken the medicine. Buchanan developed
the theory that all things give off an emanation. These emanations contained
a sort of record of the history of the object. Buchanan believed that
objects recorded senses and emotions and these could be played back in the
mind of the psychometric scryer. Some theosophists attempt to explain
psychometry in terms of the Akashic records. Psychometrists usually scry in
a normal state of mind. In other words there is no preparation needed or any
need for trance, etc. Scryers are sometimes unable to hold certain objects
because of that objects past. For example if the object had been used in a
violent crime. In some cases if a scryer has been handed an object of
someone who recently died of illness the scryer may suffer from symptoms of
the illness. Psychometric impressions may come in the form of emotions,
sounds, scents, tastes or images. The visions are usually very rapid in
nature. The visual images occur with no logical sequences. Psychometrists
usually experience a loss of energy and an increase in body temperature when
scrying. Some scryers report an irregular heartbeat. It is generally thought
that psychometry is a natural power of the human mind, but some people
believe that it is controlled by spiritual beings. Some scryers feel that
they act as an instrument and that the spirits do the actual scrying. If you
possess a talent for psychometry you probably already know it. It usually
starts at an early age and seems to be a natural gift not something that is
learnt.
http://www.paralumun.com/divination.htm

A leader with a good image is a cardboard figure, easy to
knock down. A leader with good character has the strength to see his or her
organization through tough times. To build up character, follow these four
rules:

*Strive for wisdom first -- understand your organizations' strengths,
weaknesses, and its opportunities.

*Pump up your courage so you can take bold action when the circumstances
call for it.

*Be humane. Remember, you are leading human beings, not automatons.

*Set a good example by being disciplined -- it is essential if you want your
business strategy to be carried out successfully

0. The FOOL: a manager using a SPARCStation 413,1432 to run a screensaver.

1. The MAGICIAN: a hacker with a Mac, a Pentium box, a Sparc, and a Cray on
the table in front of him --- all running the same program with the same
GUI. An infinity sign is over his head.

2. The HIGH PRIESTESS: a woman holding the Documentation, closed and
concealed. The crescent moon is showing on an Indigo behind her..

3. The EMPEROR: Steve Jobs sitting on a NeXT cube, holding an optical disk
vertically in his hand.

4. The EMPRESS: A secretary with a NeXT Machine.

5. The HEIROPHANT: Bill Gates with two flunkies kneeling before him, their
faces averted, offering
him floppy disks. He wears a laptop computer on his head.

6. The LOVERS: a PowerMAC and an IBM Power PC exchanging software as an
angel bathed in glory
regards them.

7. The CHARIOT: A man in a chariot, hurtling up an exponential curve, drawn
by the twin sphinxes
of Technology (black) and Culture (white).

8. STRENGTH: A woman holding the entire design and implementation of
Microsoft Excel in her mind as she corrects the final error. An infinity
sign is over her head.

9. The HERMIT: An old hacker, white-bearded, burns the midnight oil; its
Star-of-David flame illuminates his keyboard.

10. The WHEEL OF FORTUNE: A rotating wheel. Cray is on the side going down,
despite its good technology; Smalltalk is opposite it, and C++ is sitting on
top. Four winged beings -- a mouse, a turtle, a dog-cow, and a human -- look
on.

11. JUSTICE. A cold-faced woman holds a calculator in one hand and a
delete-key in the other.

12. The HANGED MAN: A programmer is tied by his ankle to a cable duct. His
phase is completely
shifted: he awakens at sunset, he sleeps at dawn. His monitor is
reverse-video. He programs on,
flawlessly, oblivious to his circumstances.

13. DEATH: A skeleton wielding a scythe surveys a field, on which are
scattered PDP-11s, Apple ]['s,
IBM 360/91's, Xerox Alto's, and many other machines.

14. TEMPERANCE: An angel stands with one foot on her chair and one on the
floor, as she copies files from one disk to another. A cursor blinks from
her chest.

15. The DEVIL: The goat-headed Lord of the Pit stands on a pile of Windows
manuals, holding an
inverted torch in one hand. Two humans, male and female, are in chains at
his feet.

16. The TOWER: An ivory tower is struck by a bolt of lightning. Two robed
figures, denied tenure,
are hurtled to the ground.

17. The STAR: A Mac is running its `warp' screen saver, in a transient
fragile moment of peace.

18. The MOON: A wolf and a jackal are typing at two PC's. A crayfish crawls
out of a pool, offering
suggestions that may ultimately prove deadly. The moon shines through a
window.

Many times we are asked "how do you cast a circle ?" There are so many
different was that this can be done. Differs from each Tradition to the
next. Even within our own Avaloian Tradition we make improvisions on this.
The main factor is to cast a sacred space. A space that separates this world
from the other. A space that we ourselves make holy. And that is what is
important. A space that you set aside from all else, to glorify and exalt.
For you are the one casting, cleansing, purifying, and setting it aside from
all else.

Before you cast, one should make sure of the intent of casting. Ask yourself
why you are doing it. Once you have this the gathering is made easier. If
you are doing this with a group of people One must be chosen to be the Lord
or Lady. The Lord or Lady usually has one person who waits them. This is not
to say the Lord or Lady is higher than they, but the fact that they shall be
the God/dess incarnate. You may also do this solitary. Depending on the
amount tending.

The Lord/Lady has the sword brought to them. All else are standing outside
where the circle is to be cast. The Lord/Lady takes the sword and walk
deosil (clockwise) around the space to be cast. The wait has a small bell
with them. Beginning at the East, the sword, in a non-threatening manner,is
raised. The wait rings the bell. All fill fall silent. Moving clockwise the
Lord/Lady salute each direction. If there are four novices present each will
stand to the directions as the Lord/Lady passes.

Lord/Lady: Let all those that wish to partake enter ye now ! (the bell is
rung)

Wait: My Lord/Lady all those that wish to partake in this Magickal Rite are
now present. I pray you, cast the Sacred Circle.

Lord/Lady: What thou doth sees makes here this night, shall be forever
within this circle. So Mote It Be !

(When anyone speaks the So Mote It Be or Blessed Be, all shall repeat it)

Again at the East, the Lord/Lady takes the sword and draws within the ground
or upon the floor the circle saying as the pass. "I draw this magick circle
let no evil or ill will cross its mark."

Once the Lord/Lady has reached the East again, They take the sword and place
it upon the shoulders of the novice, and says..."be thou the guardian of
this gate... I call I summon I stir oh ye spirits of Air, come forth now I
pray thee and witness our Rite. So Mote It Be !"

The Guardian answers: I am he/she the guardian, no evil or ill will shall
pass by me, My Lord/Lady.

the Wait rings the bell

The Lord/Lady goes to each quarter and perform the same, on each guardian.
The Wait will ring the bell as each guardian answers. Once the quarters are
called the Lord/Lady goes to the center of the circle as the Wait preforms
the cleansing of the circle with salt and water. Incense can be used instead
of salt and water mixture. The Lord/Lady summons the spirit of the Great
Lady and the Great Lord by saying....

Great Lady witness now your children who stand before you in Perfect Love
and Perfect Trust.

Standing East, with the censer the Lord/Lady says....Great Maiden Come To
Us..... All repeat....

Standing South, with the torch or candle the Lord/Lady says....Great Mother
Come To Us....

All repeat...

Standing West, with chalice of wine or water, the Lord/Lady says...Queen of
Wisdom Come To Us.... All repeat...

Standing North, with the salt, the Lord/Lady says.... To Us...All Repeat...

Drumming, rattles, any form of music making can be added to this. As you can
take note there really isn't any particular God or Goddess called, this is
the Avaloian Tradition. All Gods are one God, all Goddesses are one Goddess.

So there is the very basic beginnings of Magical Workings... you can take it
from here..... Do What Thou Wilt, Save Harm None, Shall Be the Whole.

*I am a Pagan andI dedicate Myself tochanneling the SpiritualEnergy of my
Inner Self to help and to heal myself and others.

* I know that I am a part of the Whole of Nature. May I grow in
understanding of the unity of all Nature. May I always walk in Balance.

* May I always be mindful of the diversity of Nature as well as its Unity
and may I always be tolerant of those whose race,appearance, sex, sexual
preference, culture, and other ways differ from my own.

* May I use the Force(psychic power) wisely and never use it for aggression
nor for malevolent purposes. May I never direct it to curtail the free will
of another.

* May I always be mindfulthat I create my own reality and that I have the
power within me to create positivity in my life.

* May I always act in honorable ways: being honest with myself and others,
keeping my word whenever I have given it, fulfilling all responsibilities
and commitments I have taken on to the best of my ability.

* May I always remember that whatever is sent out always returns magnified
to the sender. May the Forces of Karma move swiftly to remind me of these
spiritual commitments when I have begin to falter from them, and may I use
this Karmic feedback to help myself grow and be more attuned to my Inner
Pagan Spirit.

* May I always remain strong and committed to my Spiritual ideals in the
face of adversity and negativity. May the Force of my Inner Spirit ground
out all malevolence directed my way and transform it into positivity. May my
Inner Light shine so strongly that malevolent forces can not even approach
my sphere of existence.

* May I always grow in Inner Wisdom & Understanding. May I see every problem
that I face as an opportunity to develop myself spiritually in solving it.

* May I always act out of Love to all other beings on this Planet -- to
other humans, to plants, to animals, to minerals, to elementals, to spirits,
and to other entities.

* May I always be mindful that the Goddess and God in all their forms dwell
within me and that this divinity is reflected through my own Inner Self, my
Pagan Spirit.

* May I always channel Love and Light from my being. May my guide all my
thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Seekers of the Pagan path are often extremely vulnerable. In their quest for
teaching and fellowship, they risk encountering those who use our faith to
prey on others. Since paganism is still struggling for public acceptance,
there is little sympathy from authorities. Neither can the elders of our
communities effectively address this issue. The most they can do is denounce
these predators, and [they] are usually accused of starting a "witch war"
when they do. The answer to this dilemma is to empower those most
vulnerable, the Seekers. To this end, the Seeker's Bill of Rights has been
drafted. This tool will help to alert seekers of a problem if a group or
teacher violates any of the ten rights described. It will also serve to
remind seekers that while they may not have "degrees," they are still human
beings with rights and dignity.

I. The Right to Verify Credentials:
Seekers shall not be obstructed from contacting persons who can substantiate
or disavow claims made by a group or teacher. In the case of elders who were
inspired to create a new tradition, the seeker has a right to know the
circumstances surrounding the inception of that tradition.

II. The Right to Anonymity:
Seekers have the right to keep their involvement in the occult a secret to
preserve their personal and professional lives.

III. The Right to Financial Stability:
Seekers shall not be required or coerced to take on financial burdens on
behalf of a teacher or a group.

IV. The Right to Compensation for Professional goods and services:
Seekers have the Right to be paid for goods produced and/or [for] skilled
labor from which they would normally receive an income. Seekers shall not be
required or coerced to provide "freebies" or discounts on behalf of a
teacher or group.

V. The Right to Sexual Freedom:
Seekers shall not be required or coerced to [have] sexual relations with
unwanted persons. Nor shall seekers be restricted from sexual relations with
consenting adults.

VI. The Right to Physical Well-Being:
Seekers shall not be required or coerced to submit to any form of physical
injury.

VII. The Right to Abide by the Law:
Seekers shall not be required or coerced to commit any illegal act.

VIII. The Right to Consistency:
Seekers have the right to expect consistent policies from a teacher or
group. Seekers should be formally informed in a timely manner of any policy
changes.

IX. The Right to Separation with Impunity:
Seekers have the right to discontinue association with any teacher or group
without fear of harassment or reprisal.

X. The Right to be at Peace with One's Conscience:
Seekers shall not be required or coerced to commit any action contrary to
their own sense of ethics and morality.

I am a part of the whole of Nature. The Rocks, the Animals, the Plants, the
Elements, and Stars are my relatives. Other humans are my sisters and
brothers, whatever their races, colors, genders,
sexual orientations, ages, nationalities, religions, lifestyles. Planet
Earth is my home. I am a part of this large family of Nature, not the master
of it. I have my own special part to play and I seek to
discover and play that part to the best of my ability. I seek to live in
harmony with others in the family of Nature, treating others with respect.

I am Pagan. I celebrate the changing seasons, the turning of the Wheel of
the Year. I celebrate with singing, dancing, feasting, rituals, and in other
ways. I celebrate each turn of the Wheel with
personal spiritual practices and by taking part in community festivals.

Samhain, commonly known as Halloween, is a time for gazing into the future
and for paying homage to my Ancestors and other loved ones in the Spirit
world. I work magic for greater religious freedom
for Pagan peoples and humankind as a whole. I celebrate the Wiccan and
Celtic spiritual New Year.

Yule, the Winter Solstice, is a festival of peace and a celebration of
waxing solar light. I honor the new Sun child by burning a oaken Yule log in
a sacred fire. I honor the Great Goddess in her many Great Mother aspects,
and the Father God as Santa in his Old Sky God, Father Time, and Holly King
forms. I decorate my home with lights and with holly, ivy, mistletoe,
evergreens and other herbs sacred to this season. I ring in the new Solar
year with bells.

At the beginning of February, I celebrate Candlemas, known to ancient Celts
as Imbolc and to contemporary Americans as Groundhog's Day. I focus on
spiritual purification and clearing away blockages to prepare for the coming
of Spring and new growth. During this festival, I light candles to honor
Brigid and I invite her to inspire my artistic works and guide my healing
practice. I give offerings of seeds to wild birds.

At the time of the Spring Equinox, I welcome the renewal of Spring and
celebrate the greening of the Earth by dressing in green myself. I honor the
Teutonic Goddess Ostara and the spirit of the Rabbit,
Her consort. I color eggs with friends and divine choices for new growth.

Beltane at the beginning of May is a festival of fertility and pleasure. I
dress in bright colors and wear a garland of flowers in my hair. I dance the
Maypole to bless gardens and creative projects. I leap the Beltane bonfire
for good luck. I place flowers at the Bast Sacred Cat Shrine and other
sacred sites.

Summer Solstice time, also known as Midsummer and Litha, is a grand
gathering time when I greet old friends and meet new ones. I dance with them
around a sacred bonfire to the magic rhythms of drums. I honor my spiritual
community and tribe. I celebrate Pagan culture. I add stones to the sacred
Stone Circle on Circle Sanctuary land with prayers for planetary harmony and
well-being.

As August arrives, I celebrate Lammas, also known as Lughnassad. At this
festival, I honor the height of Summer and prosperity. I not only give
thanks for wild and cultivated plants and for blessings
that are starting to come to fruition, but I also pray for continued
abundance. I break and eat bread with others in ritual and I give bread and
herb offerings to the Goddesses and Gods of agriculture.

Fall Equinox, which some call Mabon, is the time of thanksgiving for all the
harvests I've reaped during the growing time. I give thanks for food I have
received from the gardens and fields and for other
blessings which have come into my life. I return to the Mother Earth
offerings that come from the best of the fruit, vegetables, herbs, nuts, and
other food stuffs I've gathered.

And at Samhain, this Wheel of the Year starts again.

I am Pagan. I also honor the seasons of life within my life's journey --
beginnings, growth, fruition, harvest, endings, rest, and beginnings again.
Life is a Circle with many cycles. With every Ending comes a new Beginning.
Within Death there is the promise of Rebirth.

I am Pagan. I see circles of change and renewal not only within my own
life's journey, but in my heritage. I see my life as a circle that connects
with the life circles of my ancestors. They are part of me and my life. The
ancient wisdom of Nature's Renewal and Recycling is embodied in the crests
of two of my Ancestral clans. From my German ancestors of my mother's
mother's lineage is the totem of the heron, a family emblem signifying
perseverance and renewal after difficulties. From my Celtic ancestors of my
father's father's lineage is the crest bearing the symbol of a hewn oak tree
sprouting new branches and leaves from its stump, enclosed in a circle with
the motto, Iterum Viriscit, which means It grows Green again. These symbols
and motto remind me not only of my own renewal and the renewal of Nature,
but also the renewal of Pagan philosophy on this planet that is part of my
life's work as a Pagan priestess.

I am Pagan. Intentional consciousness change, Magic, is part of my
spirituality. For every problem there is at least one workable solution as
well as opportunity for growth. I create my own reality with my thoughts,
feelings, and actions. Whatever I send out always returns. I seek to abide
by the Wiccan Rede: "And It Harm None, Do What You Will." When I do magic in
rituals, before I raise and direct energy, I seek always to look at the
larger picture of which my needs are just a part. I endeavor to work for the
best for all as well as to help myself. When problems come my way, I seek to
understand their cause and messages as part of my finding a solution. In
doing healing work, I seek to address the underlying spiritual causes of
disease, rather than only focusing on relief of its symptoms.

I am Pagan. I work magic by the Moon to help and to heal others, myself, and
the Planet. The Triple Goddess of the Moon guides me. I activate beginnings
in the Waxing, energize manifestations
at the Full, and clear away obstructions with the Waning and Dark. I take
part in rituals at the New and Full Moons, and I know that my Circles are
part of a great web of Circles that meet at these
times around Planet Earth.

I am Pagan. I embrace Pantheism, acknowledging that the Divine is everywhere
and in everything. I honor the Divine that is within the oak trees in the
forest, in the herbs in the garden, in the wild birds singing in the trees,
in the rock outcroppings on the hillside, in myself, and yes, even in
"things" such as my car, cameras, and computers. I understand that
everything with a physical body has a spiritual body, too. The physical and
spiritual are deeply intertwined, not separate, in this world of form. I
honor the interconnectedness of Creator and Creation.

I am Pagan. I know that Divinity has many facets and I experience this
through a variety of Goddesses, Gods, and other spiritual forms. I also
honor Divine Oneness, the Unity of All. My personal encounters with Pagan
Goddesses, Gods, and other Divine forms have transformed and enriched my
life. Hecate appeared at a Death to teach me of release and rebirth. As a
young child, Artemis flowed through me and helped me ward off a would-be
rapist. Selena of the Full Moon brings me visions and my name. Sacred Sun
energizes me. Yemaya of the Ocean cleanses and renews me. I have heard Pan
play his pipes in the woods. Dionysius awakens within me the joys of
spontaneity and ecstatic bliss and teaches me the mysteries of androgyny. I
have experienced the union of Goddess and God while making love with my mate
in the garden. Bast has helped me deepen my connections with my Cat friends.
Cernunnos has appeared to me in the forest as a Stag. Isis has spoken to me
in bursts of radiance in the deep of the Night and in flows of energy
through my hands in doing healings. Saturn has given me lessons about
discipline, time, and organic agriculture. Lady Liberty protects me as I
work for religious freedom for Wiccans and other Pagans. Mother Earth guides
my work on behalf of this Planet. I also experience the Divine as totem
animals, plant allies, and as other forms in my dreams, in guided inner
journeys, and while questing for vision alone in the wilderness.

I am Pagan. My spiritual practices include self-acceptance and
understanding, instead of self-rejection. I share my views with others when
I sense it is right, but I do not proselytize, claiming my way is the only
true right way for everyone. There are many paths up the mountain of
spiritual understanding, not just one path.

I am Pagan. My worship takes the form of Divine communion with Nature. As
part of my worship, I founded and caretake a sacred Nature preserve, Circle
Sanctuary. I do rituals at special places
there, such as in the Stone Circle atop a sacred mound; on Spirit Rock high
above the valleys; in the Magic Circle garden; by outdoor shrines; in the
indoor Temple room; and in the ancient sandstone rock shelters that housed
the ancient ones that lived on this land thousands of years ago. I also do
rituals elsewhere on the land and at other places, outdoors and indoors. My
worship and rituals can be anywhere since my sacred circle is portable.
Wherever I am, I can set up a circle around a sacred sphere with seven
invocations: to the four compass point directions, to the Cosmos above, to
the Planet below, and to Spiritual Integration in the center.

I am Pagan. I journey to the Otherworld in my dreams, meditations, and
rituals. I use sacred tools to aid me in my journeys and my magic making.
These include cauldrons, crystals, candles, censors of incense, chalices of
water, pentacles of salt, dishes of soil, feathers, bells, brooms, rattles,
drums, wands, staffs, blades, mirrors, and a variety of divination tools,
including Tarot cards, I Ching yarrow stalks, and Rune stones. I fly with my
consciousness through time and space. I explore other dimensions and then I
return with insights, knowledge, and power. I go between the worlds for
healing, growth and transformation. Intuitive, psychic perception is a
natural, not supernatural, part of my daily life.

I am Pagan. I attune myself to the four elements of Nature -- Earth, Air,
Fire, Water -- and to the fifth element, Spirit, which is the spiritual
force that connects all. I see these Elements in Nature -- the Earth in the
soil and rocks; the Air in the winds and atmosphere; the Fire as the
lightning, fires, and electricity; the Water in the springs, rivers, oceans,
rain, and other waters on the planet; and the Spirit as Divine Unity. I also
see these Elements as aspects of Self -- my physical body and physiology is
my Earth; my intellect and thoughts my Air; my will and actions my Fire; my
emotions and feelings my Water; and my Inner Self, my Soul, is my Spirit. I
endeavor to keep myself healthy and in balance in all these parts of Self. I
work toward a restoring of balance of the Elements in the environment.

I am Pagan. I hear the cries of Mother Earth who is upset with the harm
being done to the environment by humankind. I am dismayed by the pollution
of the air, the soil, and the waters, and by the domination games being
played by nations with the fire of nuclear missles and other weapons of mass
destruction. I also am concerned about spiritual pollution on the Planet --
selfishness, hatred, greed for money and power, addiction, violence,
despair. Yet as I perceive these problems, I also perceive cleansing and
healing happening on Planet Earth at this time. I know that I can help in at
least a small way to bring the Planet into greater balance by seeking
balance in my own life, by being a catalyst for restoring balance in the
lives of others, and by working for a better environment. I know that my
attitudes and my way of living can make a difference. I endeavor to be a
channel for healing and balance. I make the practice of environmental
responsibility a personal part of my daily life. I endeavor to live in
harmony with the other members of the family of Nature.

I am Pagan. Nature Spirituality is my religion and my life's foundation.
Nature is my spiritual teacher and holy book. I am part of Nature and Nature
is part of me. My understanding of Nature's inner mysteries grows as I
journey on this spiritual path.

Faeries, or Elemental Energies can appear in a variety of ways.. They can
appear as specks, looking like dust, butterflies, or whirling leaves.. In
photographs they often appear as white wavy lines.. I sometimes see them as
shadows of creatures.. basically a shadow moving around my house.. and when
outside they plan in leaves, trees, and flowers. Meditate while outside and
ask the elementals/faeries to show themselves.. they will! I have Here is a
Nature Spirit Invocation I got from one of my books (Helping yourself with
white witchcraft by Al G Manning):

Little people everywhere,
Your fun and love I seek to share.
Gronkydoddles hear my call,
Leprechauns come one and all.
Leader, Gob, of Gnome and Troll,
Come and share your humor droll.
Necka and your Undies, bold,
Play with me your games of old.
Paralda, Zephrys of the air,
Caress me while my skin is bare.
Salamanders led by Djin,
The candle flames you may play in.
Nature spirits of all sort
In friendship let us now cavort.
A child of love for you I'll be,
My mood is light as you can see.
And always as you sing and play,
I feel my problems fade away.
Your laughter, love and fun come thruogh
And help me feel alive like you.

The following is an exercise designed for you to meet your Guide or Teacher.
Messengers you wouldn't really need to do this with but you could. As for
protectors, they usually aren't to talkative.

What you need: A quiet place to meditate.

What to do: Relax. Decide who it is you wish to contact through this
meditation (guide or teacher). Take a few deep, cleansing, relaxing breaths.
Visualize your surroundings change into that of a pleasant scene. It can be
any scene you like. It can be a grassy meadow, a beach, forest glade,
cottage or anything else you can think of that conveys peace and tranquility
to you. Walk around this place and familiarize yourself with it. After a few
minutes you will see a figure in the distance. They are walking directly
toward you. This is your Guide or Teacher. When they get close enough to see
them clearly, note how they look. Dark hair? Light hair? Fair skin? Dark
skin? What kind of clothes are they wearing? etc. Greet them and ask them
for a name. Remember it and then invite them to sit with you or just speak
to them standing. Ask them what their urpose is, what they can teach you,
etc. Ask them anything you would like. This can be your meeting place where
you can commune with your Guide/Teacher in peace and serenity. When you are
done speaking with them (and they done with you) then thank them and let
your surroundings fade to black. Clear your mind then open your eyes.
dakotadeputy22@aol.com

Guides: Guides are beings who are assigned to you to help
guide you through life, help you make decisions, give you advice, etc. If
you are not in conscious contact with them they still communicate in their
own subtle way. The 'still small voice' in the back of your head, feelings,
ideas that seem to come out of no where, etc. Teachers: Teachers teach you
something. They can teach anything but it usually is occult knowledge or a
lesson you need to learn.

Protectors: Protectors are just that, protectors. They watch over you in
everyway. Physically, astrally, etc. However, sometimes they cannot protect
you either because of your own choices resulted in harm, a lesson, test,
etc.

Messengers: These are not quite as common as Guides, Teachers and
Protectors. These are usually relegated to those who have a specific
Spiritual Job/Mission that they would need a messenger for. Messengers are
kind of like gophers. They retrieve information, give messages, etc.

The above Spiritual Helpers are usually evolved humans who have no need to
return to the physical, but are not yet done learning and growing and the
above jobs help them learn more etc. The above come and go as they learn and
grow and are usually replaced by others. Sometimes you have more then one
guide and/or teacher etc. It all depends. dakotadeputy22@aol.com

Minors and the Craft -- Guidelines For Teachers And
Students
by Wren Walker
(taken from http://www.witchvox.com/xbasics.html)

Many people are investigating the religions of Witchcraft, Wicca and other
Neo-Pagan Paths today. There are many books and reference materials
available, yet after some self study, there are some folks who would like to
meet and perhaps work with a physical teacher. This can be a rewarding
learning experience - or it could turn out to be your worst nightmare.

There is much concern-and rightfully so!- about the legal issues surrounding
the acceptance of minor students into a Craft training or teaching program.
Here are some points to ponder as aids to both teachers and the minor
students who may wish to study Witchcraft.

Laws exist that protect the parent-child relationship from the undue
influence of outside parties. Probably no Witch wants to have his/her child
secretly taught another religious Path without their knowledge. While
Witches may be more open to allowing- or even encouraging- their children to
explore other religious studies than some of the practitioners of the
"mainstream' religions, not all
parents welcome the intrusion of an unknown outside party into an area that
they may consider "family business." The legal system supports this right of
parental custodianship.

None of the material presented in this section should be construed as legal
advice. This article is for educational and informational purposes only.
Contact a law office or the District Attorney in your state for more
information.

PARENTAL PERMISSION:
For the Teacher:

Many teachers accept minor students with parental permission. We would
suggest that you get a written permission slip and then have that permission
confirmed either by telephone or with a face to face meeting with the
parent. Some teachers even require that the parent be present in the
classes. Some teachers will not accept minor students under any
circumstances.

Never be alone with a minor student. Always have another adult and
preferably another student in the room at all times. Unfortunately, claims
of abuse have been brought against adult teachers by minor students or their
parents. Some have been reported to the police. "Private" lessons or
counseling with minor students should be avoided!

Never advise a minor student to go against a parent's expressed wishes. If
there is a problem at home, a school counselor or community center is a
better choice. We understand that you may wish to help, but do not place
yourself between a parent and child. The legal system protects this
relationship most vigorously.
NOTE: (From a child custody case law site:) -"When a parent has sole
custody, that parent has full and complete authority over all decisions
regarding the welfare of the child. The parent having sole custody has the
legal right to make all decisions regarding the child, including those
relating to health, education, religious and disciplinary matters."

Get the home address, phone number and emergency contact numbers for every
student. You should also have the name and number of the hospital of choice,
doctor's phone number, etc. You are responsible for that minor while he/she
is in your class and you should be prepared to act responsibly in case an
emergency occurs. Have access to a phone. (The parent should appreciate your
desire to be prepared as it demonstrates an attitude of professionalism.)

For The Minor Student:

Never lie about your age. If you are a minor, you may get an innocent
teacher in a lot of legal trouble. If your parents will NOT give you
permission to study Witchcraft, there is plenty that you can do on your own.
Perhaps a parent will allow a "correspondence" type class where you can do
the lessons in your own home and your parent can look over the material. If
your parents are still dead-set against it, you will just have to be
patient. They may change their minds later as they adjust to the idea.

Lying to your parents will do nothing to change their negative attitude
about Witchcraft, but acting maturely and openly about your interest in it
may. They are concerned about your welfare. They are really not trying to
"ruin" your life, but to protect you the best way they know how.

Never be alone with an adult teacher. Always have another adult AND another
student with you. This eliminates misunderstandings and makes everyone feel
more comfortable.

Be open with your parents and show them the materials from the class.
Encourage them to call the teacher if they have questions. Make sure your
parent has the teachers' phone number and knows the address of where you are
meeting. Have access to a phone.

Do be aware that the concerns expressed in this article may be some of the
reasons that many teachers are reluctant to even consider instructing a
minor student. These concerns are very real legal issues. So do not think
that teachers simply are 'dissing" minor seekers or that they are "looking
down" on you because of your age. They're not. Teachers may or may not agree
with these laws, but they are acting as responsible adults in a society that
has enacted the laws to protect children from potentially harmful
situations.

ON-LINE TEACHING... For The Teacher:

The same rules apply to teaching on-line as in the physical world when it
comes to parental permission. You can direct a minor who is requesting
information to other web sites, books selections or references. This
information can be accessed by anyone surfing the web-and as long as it is
not pornographic or otherwise illegal-you incur no legal responsibility in
doing this. (Do be careful about book selections as some do contain nude
pictures or illustrations that while are not pornographic may cause a parent
some concern.) But as soon as you enter into a personal e-mail
correspondence, you ARE potentially liable for the information that you are
sending a minor. DO BE AWARE that many law enforcement officers are surfing
the web posing as minors and looking for potential "abusers". Be very
careful.

Know who you are talking to. Anyone can state any personal information that
they wish while on the Internet. There is no way to verify that this
information is accurate. Again, there are "traps" being set by law
enforcement personnel, so being overly cautious is not a bad idea.

Never give out your home phone number or personal address. Get a Post Office
Box if you have the need for correspondence.

Do not try to counsel minors on-line. Direct them to a community service or
hot line in their area. Not only can you get in trouble with parents, you
can be charged with operating without a medical license. In a real emergency
(suicide threat or child abuse), contact a police department for further
instructions on how to proceed.

There are often instructions made to public school students in guidelines
and brochures on "What to do" if they are being abused, on drugs, etc. Often
these brochures state "Tell your clergyperson or minister". Many teachers of
Witchcraft are also legal clergy. But unless you have specific training in
psychological counseling and the parent knows that you are counseling their
child, do not try to handle these situations yourself. Again suggest other
alternatives and resources.

For The Minor Student:

Never give out your home address or phone number. You do not have an way to
verify who is requesting this information. Protect yourself. Never agree to
meet alone with someone who contacts you on-line. This can be very, very
dangerous.

If your parents do not know that you are interested in Witchcraft, tell
them. If you can't tell them, do not try to "sneak around". You can access
information over the Internet, but do not try to hide e-mail correspondence.
If your parents find it one day, not only may you be "in trouble", but you
may have caused problems for someone else as well. Some on-line teachers
have received very disturbing mail from parents who have 'discovered' an
email correspondence.

Your parent may be concerned that you have established a realtionship with
someone that they do not know anything about. The subject of Witchcraft as a
religion may be quite strange to them and they be will concerned about what
you are "getting yourself into". News stories of internet relationships
'gone wrong" are making some parents very cautious in the area of the
Internet and their
children. They are trying to protect you. Cut them some slack; be reasonable
and they may come to understand your position.

The Age of Majority
U.S. State, Australia, and Canadian Province Age of Majority Statutes: The
following list gives the legal age of majority in the various states and
provinces. This list is not complete as yet and if you have further
information, please contact Wren@witchvox.com so we can include it here.

UNITED STATES:
Alabama - 19, No modifications.
Alaska - 18.
Arkansas - 18 or when child graduates from high school.
California - 18; unless child still in high school, then on graduation or
19th birthday which ever occurs first.
Connecticut - 18.
D.C. - 21 years of age, or at the point the minor is self supporting through
marriage, employment, or military service.
Delaware - 18.
Florida - 18.
Georgia - 18.
Hawaii - 18.
Idaho - 18.
Illinois - 18.
Kansas - 18.
Kentucky - 18, 19 if attending high school
Louisiana - 18: unless emancipated earlier by notarial act, marriage or
judicial determination: if child is still in high school, then age 19, or
upon graduation from high school, whichever occurs first.
Maine - 18.
Maryland - 18.
Massachusetts - 18.
Michigan - 18.
Minnesota - 18. With a person's 18th birthday come most of the rights,
privileges, responsibilities, and obligations of adulthood. These rights
include the right to vote, the right to make contracts, the right to marry
without permission from parents or guardians, the right to purchase a
firearm, and the right to serve on a jury.
Mississippi - 21
Montana - 18; or earlier if married, in the military, or fully financially
independent of custodial parent.
Nebraska - 19
New Hampshire-Age if Majority: 18 (FULL CIVIL RIGHTS)
New Mexico - 18; however, a 16 year old may be emancipated by having entered
into valid marriage or active duty in armed services or by receiving
declaration of emancipation pursuant to court petition and order showing
he/she is living apart and managing his/her own affairs.
Nevada - 18; 19 if still in high school.
New York - 21; NY has no statute with respect to emancipation*; issue is
decided on case-by-case basis; emancipation can take place before 21, if
appropriate court so decides
Ohio - 18 or graduated from high school, whichever occurs later.
Oklahoma - 18.
Oregon - 18; 21 if in school half-time or more.
Pennsylvania - 18 and out of high school.
Puerto Rico - 21 years of age, or whenever minor is self-supporting through
marriage.
Tennessee - 18; unless child is still in high school; in such cases
emancipation occurs when child graduates from high school or when class
child is in when he/she reaches age of majority.
Utah - 18, or child graduates with high school graduating class.
Vermont - 18.
Virginia - 18 or a full-time high school student, not self-supporting, and
living in the home of the parent, until the child reaches the age of
nineteen (19) or graduates from high school, whichever comes first.
Washington - 18, Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, all
persons shall be deemed and taken to be of full age for all purposes at the
age of eighteen years.
Wisconsin - 18 and graduation from high school, or 19 years of age,
whichever is sooner.

WHAT IS MEANT BY THE TERM "EMANCIPATION"? - In general terms, an
emancipation occurs when a minor child is released from the "subjection" of
his or her parents. In layman terms, this means one is on his or her own
afterwards, and must support oneself thereafter, at least until the
emancipation terminates. Whether or not one is emancipated depends on the
particular facts of your
situation, including age, marital status, ability to support oneself, desire
to live independently, etc.

In Pennsylvania, emancipation is not necessarily a permanent state, and it
may change with a change of surrounding conditions. In most states,
emancipation is simply a matter of fact. That is, many states allow one to
become emancipated simply by declaring oneself emancipated. Other states
require a court order or decree. In addition, the age of majority differs
between states - some declare minors automatically emancipated at age 18 and
others at age 21. You would have to check with a legal authority in the
state or province in which you reside to find out more about the laws in
your specific area.

These tables are by no means complete. There are many more correspondences
that people have made through the centuries, such as plants, animals, trees,
winds, incenses, oils, etc. I have only included here the basic ones which I
have either worked with or seen often, just to get you started. Please feel
free to add your own correspondences as you find them. In addition, there
are many traditions and groups that use a different direction for these
elements, or have some other correspondences different from the ones listed
here. These are not written in stone! Use what works for you and disregard
the rest.

There are many more self-initiated Wiccans and Witches out
there than practically any other variety of Pagan. While a valid and
legitimate spiritual path, self-initiation and working solitary pose a few
unique challenges to those who would follow this particular path to the Old
Gods. By its very nature, the solitary path doesn't have a lot of guidance
available--usually you strike out on your own to discover it all for
yourself.

So why self-initiate? Why be a solitary practitioner? These are questions
you have to answer for yourself. No one has a monopoly upon wisdom, nor on
the Mysteries--these are not things that you can own, only experience on
your own terms, and even then they keep moving, changing and growing. Anyone
who approaches the Gods with sincerity, respect, and integrity can and will
discover their own way to commune with these essential forces of Nature. It
means hard work, requires creativity, persistence and determination --it is
a challenging path to take.

If you decide to pursue self-initiation and build your own version of
spiritual practice based upon the Wiccan model, here are some tips to help
make the process go a bit more smoothly:

Clarify your intent. Ask yourself "Why am I doing this?" Examine your
motivations--pursuing any particular spiritual path is a serious commitment.
Setting out to explore things on your own as a solitary practitioner is not
something to do on a whim, nor is it a "fun" hobby. It's work, and plenty of
it. It can also be worth it. Gather your resources. You need to establish a
set of ground rules for what you want to do. This will require reading
everything you can get. Try to read a variety of authors, and don't read
just about Witchcraft. You're not going to learn very much from restricting
your reading to pop-Wicca books that gleefully extol the virtues of playing
at mediocre, misinterpreted folk traditions of dubious vintage. You're
setting out to acquire some wisdom, not superstitious twaddle and bogus
hokum. Take classes and get calluses--go out and learn something, then put
it to use in your life and the community around you. If it dies on the vine
unused, it's a waste. If you find something that you like, adapt it; don't
just lift it out of its context. Once you have a basic framework within/upon
which to work, rewrite everything to fit your emerging vision, after you've
tried it out, tested it, and given it a chance to teach you what it has to
reveal on its own terms. Draft a statement of your core beliefs. Sign it,
date it, and place it in your journal or Book of Shadows. Forget about it
for a while and just work on doing it. Choose a time each year to re-
examine it and amend it if desired. Sometimes this is a good thing to do
during the winter months, perhaps Candlemas/Imbolc? You decide. When you do
check it out, don't beat yourself up if you've gone off in a completely
other direction. Spend some time contemplating what you meant when you wrote
that piece and look at what you've learned in the time since then. What
would you change about it, or yourself, now that you know what you know now?
If you do happen to fall prey to the social disease of writing, please be
sure to make every reasonable attempt to document your sources. Give credit
where credit is due. You have nothing to gain by trying to pretend that you
invented Gardner's or Crowley's books. Keep yourself honest. Given time, and
effort, you will develop your own rites. When you do, you don't want to
dilute the meaningfulness of the moment by that nagging little voice that
reminds you that you didn't really do it. Respect your creativity, maintain
personal integrity, and let things develop naturally. Remember that within
most established traditions of the Craft, the term 'degree' generally refers
to experience, not rank. As a solitary you don't have any rank to worry
about. If you do, well, then I hope you're enjoying yourself. As a solitary
you get the opportunity to focus upon the personal experience and to drop
the distractions. It's similar to the monastic approach to mysticism, only
less ascetic and more fun. If you do wind up creating or adapting some sort
of degree system for your personal Work be sure to take your time working
through those degrees. Learn all you can and work with the Gods and Mighty
Ones--as you progress, the doors of perception will open, the way will be
found. Besides, if you're going to pursue an experiential approach to an
already experiential path, why deny yourself the benefit of having those
very experiences that are part and parcel of the whole darn thing in the
first place? It's absolutely about quality, not quantity. Do it for the
right reasons. Why are you doing whatever you're doing, and why alone? If
you're solitary because of some sort of insecurity or negative reaction to
past happenstance...be prepared for circumstances to change as you grow and
mature. If you've withdrawn to focus upon certain aspects of your personal
spiritual development, don't lose track of that, even if you do decide to
take a break and go hang out with a group for a while. Your solitary
practice should serve as a firm foundation for your day-to-day life. A
viable, healthy spiritual practice will offer you a way to recharge your
batteries, cope with stress, resolve crises and guide you as you grow. If
your solitary path doesn't offer you these things, what are you doing?
Solitary work can be ideal for self-transformation and personal healing. As
you progress, as healing occurs, as changes take place, you will find your
practice likewise changing. Consider this a form of sympathetic magick. As
you become more fully integrated and whole, your rituals will become more
balanced and holistic as well. The Craft is a healing path, so why not
approach it as such? Keep in mind that the only way to gauge progress is to
challenge it in some manner. How you decide to challenge yourself is one
thing. How the universe around you, let alone the Gods & Ancestors, will
test your progress is another matter. There will come a point where your
focus upon the self-chosen, self-directed things will be intruded upon. You
are a human being, not an oyster. If you're going to heal, then heal and get
on with life. If you're going to deal with something, deal with it and move
on. Life is in motion. Whatever tries to remain static will encounter
friction and eventually will be torn loose by the tides of change or the
teeth of the trickster. We all learn at different rates and in different
styles. Working alone makes it possible to modify everything to suit your
needs. Creativity and sincerity can guide you in making your Craft practice
a viable and vital part of your life. Don't waste time measuring your
progress against other people. They do not approach things from your
perspective or background, nor do they share your personal circumstances. No
matter what disabilities, hindrances, or restrictions you may have in your
life, you can practice Wicca--if you honestly desire to do so. Indeed, the
only thing holding anyone back from the Craft of the wise is their own sense
of self. Sure, you may not be able to jump around a circle waving a
letter-opener or perhaps you can't mumble out a mournful dirge of dubious
ecstasy like some of the other folks on the path. So what? As you will and
you harm none. Get it? Even solitaries aren't alone anymore. With all of the
resources available on the Internet.

go check out http://www.witchvox.com or http://www.circle.org or
http://www.avatarsearch.com or http://www.twpt.com or just do a search on
Wiccan, Pagan or whatever your heart desires.

There's an incredible amount of information and opportunities to connect
with a vast array of fellow seekers out there. Consider sharing the fruits
of your labors, but don't be in a hurry to share the secrets of your
success. Solitary work is very personal and what worked for you may not work
for another. Respect the freedom of others to pursue their own path into the
Silence as you yourself did. If you find that others come to you, or that
you are asked to share more details, then you are being confronted by the
task of becoming a teacher or guide or mentor. Congratulations. Hopefully
your time spent in solitary practice has garnered you some measure of wisdom
that can help you to meet this new challenge with grace and dignity. Or at
least with a good head start as you run away.